Mercutio is a character in William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet. He is a friend of Romeo’s and plays a significant role in the play. One of the most striking features of Mercutio’s character is his contrasts.

Contrasts in Personality

Shakespeare depicts Mercutio as a character of contrasts in a number of ways, including through his personality. Mercutio is renowned for his incisive tongue and quick wit. He frequently makes jokes and puns to amuse his friends and is the life of the party. Mercutio can also be melancholy and gloomy, though. When he gives the speech to Queen Mab in Act 2, Scene 1, he illustrates this.