Who Mercutio is
Mercutio brings sharp wit and a quick temper to the circle around Romeo. His fast, bawdy humour contrasts with Romeo's lovesick talk and the lovers' rich images.
He joins Romeo and his friends when they decide to attend the Capulet feast in masks. Before the feast, he teases Romeo with a wild speech about Queen Mab, a fairy who brings dreams to sleepers.
What Mercutio wants
Mercutio is quick to defend his friends, but that loyalty comes with a readiness to fight. When Tybalt seeks a fight with Romeo, Mercutio reads Romeo's refusal as cowardice. He takes up the quarrel himself, bringing his fiery temper into the families' conflict.
Mercutio and the others in the story
Mercutio's friendship with Romeo makes room for both teasing and fierce support. He mocks love while Romeo is caught up in feelings for Rosaline.
His kinship with Prince Escalus connects him to Verona's ruler, who threatens punishment for further street violence. Yet Mercutio's own quick temper draws him toward the fighting that the Prince wants to stop.
A best-known line
“A plague o' both your houses!”
Questions
Who is Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet?
Mercutio is Romeo's friend, known for his wit, fiery temper, and mockery of love.
Is Mercutio related to the Prince?
Yes, Mercutio is a kinsman of Prince Escalus, Verona's ruler.
Why does Mercutio fight Tybalt?
Mercutio takes Romeo's place because he mistakes Romeo's refusal to fight for cowardice. His readiness to defend a friend draws him into the quarrel.