Capulet Character Analysis in Romeo and Juliet

Juliet’s father and the head of House Capulet, which is in a long-standing feud with House Montague. Capulet, like Montague, is dedicated to stoking the “ancient grudge” between their two houses and ensuring that their descendants continue it on between themselves. Capulet, however, unlike Montague, is obsessed with appearances and social standing, and is willing to put the grudge aside in order to create the illusion of calm. One such instance of this occurs when Tybalt suggests brawling with the Montagues in the middle of the Capulets’ annual masquerade, and Capulet orders him to refrain in order to keep up appearances. Capulet plans to use his only daughter, Juliet, in order to advance their family’s social capital by marrying her off to Paris. When she refuses, he threatens to disown her, ignoring her feelings and desires for his own purposes.

Capulet Character Timeline in Romeo and Juliet

The timeline below shows where the character Capulet appears in Romeo and Juliet. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Capulet and Lady Capulet enter. Capulet calls for his sword, but Lady Capulet chides him for... (full context)

Capulet and Paris enter with a servant, Peter. Capulet is telling Paris that he and Montague... (full context)

Capulet gives Peter a list, telling him to go around Verona and invite everyone on it... (full context)

Inside the Capulet house, Peter and several serving men are rushing around, clearing tables and making things nice... (full context)

...page to fetch him his rapier, announcing his intent to kill the young man, but Capulet, realizing who Romeo really is, urges Tybalt to calm down and enjoy the party. Capulet... (full context)

...Benvolio approaches Romeo and tells him that they should leave before getting into any trouble. Capulet calls out to his guests, announcing that the evening is drawing to an end. Romeo... (full context)

Romeo explains that his “heart’s dear love is set on the fair daughter of rich Capulet.” Romeo says that the friar must marry the two of them right away—and in secret.... (full context)

...Mercutio, and Benvolio points out Tybalt’s body on the ground. The prince enters with Montague, Capulet, and their wives. Lady Capulet screams and swoons over her dead kinsman, and the prince... (full context)

Lady Capulet accuses Benvolio of lying to protect the Montagues. Prince Escalus asks if Romeo is responsible... (full context)

At the Capulet manor, Capulet laments to Paris that in the midst of all the chaos surrounding Tybalt’s... (full context)

...light” breaks, his and Juliet’s troubles grow “dark[er.]” The nurse enters and announces that Lady Capulet is on her way to Juliet’s room. Juliet states that as the window “let[s] day... (full context)

Lady Capulet calls out to Juliet and asks how she’s doing. Juliet says she’s feeling poorly. Lady... (full context)

Lady Capulet tells Juliet that it’s time to talk of nicer things—she has some good news for... (full context)

Capulet screams at Juliet for her ungratefulness, and tells her that no matter what, she is... (full context)

...while—otherwise, Juliet says, her parents might as well build the bridal bed inside of the Capulet crypt. Lady Capulet, furious as her husband, tells Juliet to do whatever she wants—her parents... (full context)

At the Capulet home, Capulet is busy hastily sending his servingmen on errands in preparation for Juliet’s wedding... (full context)

Juliet enters. Capulet asks her where she’s been, and she tells her father that she has been repenting... (full context)

...her to her room and help her pick out adornments for the following day. Lady Capulet reminds her that the wedding is not for two days, but Capulet says there’s no... (full context)

Very early the next morning, the Capulet manor is bustling as Capulet, Lady Capulet, Juliet’s nurse, and several servingmen rush about the... (full context)

...then sees that Juliet is, apparently, dead. The nurse calls out for help, and Lady Capulet hurries into the bedroom. Seeing that her daughter is dead, she laments the loss of... (full context)

...group of musicians enter Juliet’s chambers asking if Juliet is ready to head to church, Capulet tells them that “death [has] lain” with Juliet, deflowering her on her wedding day. Death,... (full context)

Capulet laments that all of the marriage preparations were in vain—the wedding feast will become a... (full context)

Prince Escalus enters with his attendants, annoyed that he’s been risen from bed so early. Capulet and Lady Capulet, too, arrive on the scene, desperate to know what’s going on—in the... (full context)

Prince Escalus orders Montague and Capulet to “see what a scourge is laid upon [their] hate.” Because of their feud, he... (full context)