Romeo's friend, a nobleman who, in the play, is related to both Paris and the ruler of Verona, and allied with the Montagues. His link to Paris is never alluded to in the opera or the film. Unable to endure Tybalt's insults against Romeo and wanting to defend his friend's honor, he accepts Tybalt's challenge to duel and is slain. In retribution, Romeo then kills Tybalt.
