The Pivotal Pair in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet When one thinks of Shakespeare's great works, Romeo and Juliet probably comes to mind. The characters of Romeo and Juliet, however, are one-dimensional. They have no real depth to their characters and do not actually carry the plot. I believe that the two characters who are really essential to the plotline are Tybalt and Mercutio, two conflicting characters whose argument sets the play and its characters …showed first 75 words of 1092 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1092 total…Their actions are the deciding force behind the advancement of the plot and dictate the reactions of the other players. Without these two conflicting characters, the play would not progress. Their depth and complexity make them intriguing, and their raging emotions help us to relate to them. Perhaps next time we think of Romeo and Juliet, Tybalt and Mercutio will come to mind as well as, or even in place of, the play's principal characters.