ABSTRACT
Shakespeare provides a considerable amount of stage time for the Capulets, often in scenes that are cut down in production because of a failure to understand who they are, and how that contributes to the play. Capulet is one of the largest roles and one of the play's most compelling characters. Capulet is unexpectedly gracious in allowing Romeo to stay at the ball even after he discovers who he is, but he does not tolerate disobedience within his household. The marriage to Paris is a key to understanding this family. There are actually three households in the play: Paris and Mercutio are kinsmen to the Prince. Marriage to a kinsman to the Prince is a big deal for this upwardly mobile family. After a Capulet kills Mercutio, the marriage becomes a political necessity. The Montagues seem to be a more stable family than the Capulets, and there is a certain formality and gravity to their language.
