Character Analysis: Juliet

Juliet is arguably the more complex and dramatically compelling of the two protagonists. She undergoes the greatest transformation in the play — from obedient child to independent young woman who defies her family, her society, and ultimately fate itself.

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Juliet's Character Arc

ACT 1.3:  Obedient daughter ("I'll look to like, if looking liking move")
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ACT 1.5:  Awakened — she is Romeo's equal in the shared sonnet
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ACT 2.2:  Pragmatic and perceptive (the balcony scene)
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ACT 3.5:  Defiant — refuses Paris, abandoned by family and Nurse
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ACT 4.3:  Courageous — takes the potion alone
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ACT 5.3:  Resolute — makes her final choice

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Key Character Traits

Trait	Evidence
Intelligent	Questions Romeo's hasty vows; recognises the danger of their situation
Courageous	Defies her father; takes the potion alone; makes her final choice
Loyal	Remains devoted to Romeo even after he slays her cousin Tybalt
Pragmatic	In the balcony scene, she is more practical than Romeo — she arranges the marriage
Independent	Moves from obedience to autonomy across the play