Benvolio

• acts as Romeo's confidante and ally, representing male friendship and support

  
  

  -is Romeo's friend and cousin

  -Lord Montague relies on him to console Romeo

  -represents, though his name, goodness and benevolence (the name Benvolio literally means "good man"

  -advises Romeo away from his unrequited love
• Shakespeare's function for Benvolio is to act as a contrast to the more aggressive male characters

  -in the first scene: "I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, or manage it to part these men with me."

  -use of an iambic pentameter: creates a controlled, regular environment which demonstrates his level-headed and peacekeeping nature

  -"Part, fools! Put up your swords. You know not what you do" --> direct reference to "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do."