Romeo and Juliet: Tragic or Pathetic Figures? An analysis of the Shakesperean characters Romeo and Juliet. Argues that they are tragic figures as opposed to pathetic figures.

One of the most important issues in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is that of choice. Do the characters have the ability to choose what they want to do, or are they simply destined to participate in death and destruction? There is ample evidence of both fate and free will in the play, and the presence of both greatly affects the interpretation of the plot and the characters. I personally believe that Romeo and …

…and "death-marked," and that their death will end their parents' feud. There are many such examples throughout the play pointing to this intention. Shakespeare casts fate, fortune, and the warring families as the forces responsible for the death of the characters (Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio, Tybalt, Paris, and Lady Montague). In conclusion, the characters in Romeo and Juliet are tragic in nature, and I believe it was Shakespeare's intention for them to be viewed as such.