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Plot summary – WJECTybalt kills Mercutio and Romeo kills Tybalt

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet tells the tale of a young man and woman, who fall in love but are destined for tragedy due to their warring families - the Montagues and the Capulets.

Part of English LiteratureRomeo and Juliet

Tybalt kills Mercutio and Romeo kills Tybalt

Tybalt fights with Mercutio, Romeo tries to stop them

Romeo meets with Mercutio and Benvolio to tell them about his marriage to Juliet. However, he is soon stopped when he sees Tybalt Capulet there arguing with Mercutio. Tybalt challenges Romeo to fight, but Romeo declines, saying that he loves Tybalt like family. Tybalt is confused and angry at his response and repeats his demand. When Romeo declines again, Mercutio loses his temper and cannot believe Romeo will not fight like a man. He takes Romeo's place and Tybalt and Mercutio fight. Romeo tries to stop the fighting. Tybalt, trying to injure Romeo, accidentally stabs Mercutio. Mercutio dies a slow, painful death. He curses the Montague and Capulet houses, blaming them for his death.

Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished

Romeo, angered by Mercutio's death, goes searching for Tybalt. They find each other and fight. The fight ends when Romeo kills Tybalt. Realising what he has done, he flees. The Prince arrives on the scene and declares that Romeo must be banished and must leave Verona immediately. Juliet finds out the news of her cousin's death and Romeo's banishment and cannot cope with the sadness. She is heartbroken and confused.

Before Romeo leaves Verona forever, he and Juliet spend the night together and their marriage. Romeo leaves in the morning and they are both heartbroken.