Act 3 Scene 1: The Fight Scene

As tensions in the city rise, the Montagues and the Capulets become increasingly hostile with one another. A confrontation in the streets finds Mercutio and Tybalt prepared to duel. As Romeo enters the scene, the dynamic between him and Mercutio becomes apparent. In a way, they serve as each other's foil: Mercutio is ready for a fight, yet joking, and Romeo wishes for peace and is cautious. The way that these two characters interact is crucial to the scene, as Mercutio begins by attacking Tybalt. As Mercutio is wounded and dies, Romeo throws caution to the wind and kills Tybalt.