Character Analysis on Friar Lawrence in Shakespeare´s Romeo and Juliet

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There are many characters in the play of Romeo and Juliet that have important roles and unique characteristics. One of these characters is Friar Lawrence, a Franciscan monk who is an expert in plants and medicines. While the Friar does not appear in all parts of the play, he acts as an advisor to Romeo and Juliet and gets them married. Being an honest, trustworthy, and loving friend, Friar Lawrence helps keep Romeo and Juliet together while maintaining his character and not acting dual-sided or having a second nature. Throughout the later parts of the play, Friar Lawrence’s characterization remains consistent as he guides the two lovers through their troubles and eventually ends the family feud between the Capulets and the Montagues.
Friar Lawrence’s traits are first apparent in Act 2 Scene 3 of the play. Romeo’s old passion for Rosaline has died off, and his new desire for Juliet takes place once he meets her. Romeo rushes over to Friar to tell him about his anxiety over Juliet. Friar reacts by saying “Or, if not so, then here I hit it right: Our Romeo hath not been in bed tonight” (II.iii. 44-45). This shows Friar Lawrence’s concern for Romeo as a caring friend and exemplifies the strong connection he has with him. Whenever Romeo is having trouble, Friar is always there for him and helps him because he knows Romeo is young and may encounter difficulties throughout his life.
After Romeo kills Tybalt in the duel, the Prince decides that Romeo be punished because the Capulets have lost a kinsman. When Romeo goes to Friar Lawrence, he learns that he is banished from Verona. “Here from Verona art thou banished. Be patient, for the world is broad and wide” (III.iii.16-17). When Friar says this, he says these lines calmly and s...

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...build a gold statue of the lovers, and thus this ends the feud between the two families.
With a kind heart and a firm attempt to help a married couple stay together, Friar Lawrence remains consistent in character throughout his part in the play. Despite his attempts to have Romeo take Juliet away from Verona and live together, he helps end the feud between the Capulets and Montagues through his words and act of honesty. It is demonstrated throughout his character that he is calm, compassionate, and hopeful. The overall characterization of Friar does not change throughout the play; he remains relaxed at all times, and if anything does go wrong, his reactions remain on a side of hope for Romeo and Juliet. Even though Friar Lawrence does not develop or change, his desire to keep two couples together leads him to be one of the most significant characters in the play.

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