In this deck, we will analyse Tybalt, Juliet's hot-headed cousin. Known as the 'Prince of Cats', Tybalt is the embodiment of the Capulet family's hatred for the Montagues. We will explore his key scenes and quotations to understand how Shakespeare uses him as a primary antagonist and a catalyst for the play's tragic ending. Mastering Tybalt is key to writing about the themes of conflict, honour, and fate in your exam.

We meet Tybalt in the very first scene, during a street brawl between the Capulets and Montagues. While the peace-making Benvolio tries to stop the fight, Tybalt enters with his sword drawn. His immediate aggression and hatred for the Montagues are put on full display, establishing his violent character from the outset.

Later, at the Capulet feast, Tybalt's obsession with the feud resurfaces. He recognises Romeo's voice, despite Romeo being in disguise, and is instantly filled with rage. He wants to kill Romeo on the spot for crashing the party, seeing it as a deep insult to his family's honour. This shows his hatred is constant and uncompromising.