Who Is Benvolio?

Who is Benvolio? Benvolio is an important character in Romeo and Juliet, a tragic play
written by William Shakespeare. The play tells the story of Romeo Montague and Juliet
Capulet, teenagers from feuding families who fall in love, marry secretly, and ultimately die.
Benvolio is Romeo's cousin; Romeo and Benvolio have many scenes together and clearly
care about each other deeply. Benvolio attempts on several occasions to avoid problems for
himself, Romeo, and other characters. Although he is a Montague, he is invested in
mitigating the impacts of the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets and wants the
fighting to cease. He is much less impulsive than other characters in the play like Romeo, his
friend Mercutio, and the Capulet Tybalt. Benvolio plays an essential part in the plot of the
story, particularly by encouraging Romeo to attend the party where he later meets Juliet.

Benvolio Character Traits

Benvolio's character traits are multifaceted, making him an interesting character to examine
in detail. He plays a variety of roles within the story: he is a peacemaker, a problem-solver, a
counselor who provides a voice of reason, a good friend, and a trustworthy character. In each
of these roles, he does his best to help those around him and to avoid further problems,
though he does not always succeed.

Benvolio (left) watches Romeo try to break up the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio

Benvolio's Personality
Each of the roles listed above that make up Benvolio's personality manifest in different ways
and at different points in the play.
 Traits Relevant Scenes Outcome
Ac I, Scene I: Benvolio attempts to
Despite Benvolio's efforts, Tybalt
break up a fight between servants of
Peacemaker enters and immediately escalates the
the houses of Montague and Capulet
fight, forcing Benvolio into the fray
by appealing to their better natures
Act I, Scene I: After the fight,
Romeo's parents clearly trust
Benvolio speaks with Romeo's
Benvolio, since immediately after he
Trustworthy parents. He gives an accurate and
gives his account, they ask him to go
ally honest account of what has happened.
and check on Romeo, who seems to
He is not interested in twisting the
be very sad
facts for his own gain
Act I, Scene I: Benvolio finds Romeo
and listens carefully as he explains
that he is in unrequited love with a Benvolio's advice seems to be good:
young woman named Rosaline. He Romeo attends the party and
acts as a voice of reason, advising immediately falls in love with Juliet,
Counselor Romeo to seek out other young as Benvolio recommended. However,
women to love rather than continuing his love affair with Juliet ends in
to pine. In Act I, Scene II, Benvolio tragedy, making Benvolio's advice
counsels Romeo to attend a party at less helpful in retrospect
the Capulet house so that he can meet
new people
While Benvolio tries to be impartial
when it comes to the feud between
Act II, Scene IV: Benvolio is close
the Capulets and the Montagues, he is
friends with both Romeo and
also aware that his loyalties
Mercutio, as evidenced by their
Friend ultimately lie with the Montagues.
banter in this and other scenes. He
His scenes with his friends make this
cares about their well-being and
sense of loyalty clearer, even when
enjoys spending time with them.
Benvolio is trying hard to be
impartial
Act III, Scene I: Knowing that Tybalt
is itching for a fight, Benvolio tries to
Benvolio tries to avoid a fight, but he
get Mercutio to leave the area with
is unsuccessful: Tybalt kills
him to avoid a brawl. Despite
Problem- Mercutio, and then Romeo kills
Benvolio's efforts, Mercutio stays and
solver Tybalt. Romeo does flee, which is
fights Tybalt; he is killed. Later in the
one good thing to come of Benvolio's
same scene, after Romeo kills Tybalt,
efforts
Benvolio tries to solve the problem
again by urging Romeo to flee
After Romeo kills Tybalt, Benvolio disappears from the play. He has no other role to play
since Romeo is banished and Mercutio is dead. Some adaptations of the play replace
Balthasar with Benvolio in Act V, Scene I, when Romeo learns of Juliet's supposed death.
This casting choice, although it deviates from Shakespeare's text, can create a greater degree
of cohesion in the plot and the character relationships since Romeo is much closer with
Benvolio than he is with Balthasar.
Benvolio Quotes
Benvolio's personality is primarily demonstrated through his lines. He has several very
important lines that contribute to his characterization while also advancing the plot.

Act I, Scene I
 Put up your swords; you know not what you do.

As soon as Benvolio finds the quarreling servants in the opening scene of the play, he says
this to them as a way to try and prevent violence. This line is actually a biblical reference:
Luke 23:34 says, ''Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do''
(King James Version) This is one of the last things that Jesus says before dying on the cross; it
is a very recognizable line that immediately links Benvolio with a Christ-like peacemaker.

 I do but keep the peace.

When Tybalt appears and tries to escalate the situation, Benvolio says this to appeal to his
good graces. It does not work, as Tybalt is eager for a fight. In fact, he responds, ''What,
drawn, and talk of peace! I hate the word, As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.'' The two
of them start fighting after this exchange, though in most productions, Benvolio continues
to show reluctance to enact violence against Tybalt.

 What sadness lengthens Romeo's hours?