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Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy by William Shakespeare about two young lovers from feuding families in Verona, Italy.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy by William Shakespeare about two young lovers from feuding families in Verona, Italy. Written in the mid-1590s and first published in 1597, it is one of Shakespeare's best-known and most frequently performed plays. Its title characters have become archetypal examples of star-crossed lovers.

Plot

The story follows Romeo and Juliet as they fall in love despite their families' feud. Secret marriage, violence, banishment, and a failed message lead to the lovers' deaths.

Characters

The title roles are Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. Other major figures include Mercutio, Tybalt, Friar Laurence, the Nurse, Prince Escalus, and Count Paris.

Sources and composition

Shakespeare wrote the play in the mid-1590s, likely between 1594 and 1596. Its plot draws on earlier tales, especially Arthur Brooke's 1562 poem and related Italian sources.

Reception and legacy

Romeo and Juliet became one of Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and remains widely staged. The title pair are widely used as symbols of young love and tragic romance.

Key facts

  • The play centres on the romance between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, whose families are bitter enemies.
  • It is set in Verona and is one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies.
  • The plot ends with the deaths of the two lovers, which helps end the feud between their families.
  • The play was written in the mid-1590s and first published in 1597.
  • Romeo and Juliet is among Shakespeare's most frequently performed plays.
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Canadian context

The play is a standard part of Canadian English-language literature study and is regularly staged by Canadian theatres, schools, and arts institutions.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Romeo and Juliet?
William Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet.
When was Romeo and Juliet first published?
It was first published in 1597.
Where is Romeo and Juliet set?
The play is set in Verona, Italy.
Who are the main characters?
The main characters are Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet.
What is Romeo and Juliet based on?
Shakespeare's plot was adapted from earlier stories by Matteo Bandello and English retellings by Arthur Brooke and William Painter.
Why is the play important?
It is one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies and a lasting cultural symbol of star-crossed lovers.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_and_Juliet
    Supports: Basic identification, authorship, plot, setting, and source background.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Romeo-and-Juliet
    Supports: Authorship, date, setting, and summary of the central conflict and ending.
  3. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust — https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-plays/romeo-and-juliet/
    Supports: Plot summary and major story events.
  4. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Romeo-and-Juliet/344520
    Supports: Source material, setting, characters, and summary of the tragedy.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Shakespeare/Romeo-and-Juliet
    Supports: Approximate composition date and tragedy classification.