Friar characterisation

• The friar enables and facilitates most of the action within the play.
• Although many of the characters use religious imagery, the Friar is the only character who presents religion in the play
• he intentionally marries Romeo and Juliet with the intention of ending the civil tension. This demonstrates that whilst he is neutral in stance within the conflict between the two families he has an agenda of his own.
• Both R+J frequently seek guidance throughout the play. This suggests the Friar is a neutral figure between the two families and therefore can offer rational and unbiased help
• He has an agenda to end the civil strife in Verona, his wish to end the conflict leads to the young lovers death.
• In Shakespearean England, familial relationships, especially between parents and children, were often distant or strained due to societal norms and parental authority. The Friar's compassionate guidance and support for Romeo throughout the play position him as a paternal figure in Romeo's life, filling the emotional void left by his own parents.