In Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," a number of characters meet tragic ends. The story of the "star-crossed" lovers Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous love stories of all time, but it is also a tale of violence and feuding that ultimately leads to the deaths of several characters.
At the beginning of the play, we are introduced to the long-standing feud between the Capulets and the Montagues, two prominent families in Renaissance-era Verona, Italy. The two families are constantly at odds, and their hatred for one another leads to several violent encounters throughout the play.
The first death occurs early on in the play when Tybalt, a Capulet, is killed by Romeo, a Montague, in a fit of anger. This event serves as the catalyst for the rest of the tragic events that unfold in the play.
Later in the play, Romeo is banished from Verona for killing Tybalt, and Juliet is promised to another man by her father, causing her to take a potion that will make her appear dead for a time. When Romeo believes Juliet is actually dead, he takes his own life by drinking poison. Juliet awakens from her coma to find Romeo dead beside her, and in her grief, she also takes her own life with a dagger.
In total, four major characters die in "Romeo and Juliet": Tybalt, Romeo, Juliet, and Mercutio. Mercutio, a close friend of Romeo, is killed in a sword fight while trying to protect Romeo.
The tragic deaths of these characters serve as a commentary on the destructive power of hatred and the dangers of allowing personal pride and grudges to consume one's life. "Romeo and Juliet" remains a timeless classic, with its themes of love and loss still resonating with audiences today.
