"Romeo and Juliet" is one of the world's most well known love stories. This play was written by William Shakespeare and it was first performed in 1597. The play is a tragedy, as the main characters die at the end. This essay is about the importance of Mercutio in "Romeo and Juliet."

Mercutio is Romeo's best friend and he is neither a Montague nor a Capulet. He is related to the Prince of Verona. The name "Mercutio" comes from the word "mercurial," this means lively, vivacious, high spirited and quickly changing. Mercutio's name reflects his character in the play.

Mercutio is very jocular and outrageous but he is still very intelligent. In Act II, Scene IV, he continually mocks Tybalt especially about his name. Throughout the play Mercutio refers to Tybalt as the "Prince of Cats," because his name was a popular title for a cat. He makes comments...