County Paris Character Analysis

Paris, cousin to the Prince, gorgeous and wealthy, and above all the rest, an arrogant idiot. Paris isn’t the worst character in Romeo and Juliet, but he’s one of the most putrid characters in the entirety of the play. Romeo and Juliet is, of course, written by the one and only William Shakespeare, it’s a very famous play, and it’s extraordinarily difficult to avoid hearing about it. While this play is Shakespeare’s most well-known work, not all the characters are remembered quite as well as Juliet and her Romeo, one in particular is known as County Paris. Paris takes a role in Romeo and Juliet as Juliet’s undesired suitor. Juliet is forced into a marriage with Paris, even though she and Romeo have already been wed in secrecy. The concept of an arranged marriage is rather old-fashioned, and given the fact that the play is set in the English city of Verona during the Renaissance, it all seems to make sense. But what would Paris do if he was inserted into present day? What would be perfect for County Paris? Giving a good look at Paris’ defining traits reveals that him being confident, vain, and handsome

He sees himself as an incredible man, and this shows through his actions. Our prime example is his assumption that Juliet will be head over heels for him immediately. Unfortunately for Paris, he wasn’t the lucky one, and Juliet doesn’t want anything to do with him. We can see the beloved Paris show his belief when he speaks to Juliet and says “Do not deny to him that you love me”/”I will confess to you that I love him”/”So will ye, I am sure, that you love me” (4.1. 24-26). Here Juliet is strikingly clearly turning him down, yet Paris still pursues the idea that Juliet has a deep and true passion for him, whilst it simply isn’t true. Being loved is the only option for Paris. This isn’t the only scenario where Paris’ egotistical manner shines through. When he first sees Juliet after she has taken Friar Lawrence’s potion, he