Count Paris, a kinsman of the Prince, tells Capulet that he wants to marry his daughter, Juliet. Capulet’s a little reluctant to agree because his daughter is so young, but he tells Paris that if he can woo Juliet successfully, then he’ll grant him permission to marry her. To help his cause, he invites Paris to a party they’re having at the Capulet house that night. Capulet then gives his servant a guest list for the party, and asks him to track down and invite the people on it. The servant, who is illiterate, then asks the passing Romeo and Benvolio for help reading it. Realizing that Rosaline—the object of Romeo’s unrequited love—is on the list, Romeo and Benvolio hatch a plan to attend the party, even though it’s at the enemy house. For his part, Benvolio is convinced that when Romeo sees Rosaline with all the other beautiful young women of Verona, he’ll realize that she pales in comparison.
Character Interview: Paris & Capulet
Character Interview: Romeo
