A young Montague noble who instantly falls for rival Capulet Juliet at a masked ball. Despite their families' bitter feud, he secretly marries her with Friar Laurence's assistance. After refusing Tybalt's challenge, Romeo kills him to avenge Mercutio and flees Verona. Misled by a failed letter, he returns to the tomb, takes poison, and dies beside Juliet.
The central romantic bond driving the narrative.