Tybalt

Family: Capulets · Role: kinsman · First appears: Romeo and Juliet · Act I, Scene I

At the street brawl in Verona, Tybalt stands with the Capulet faction against Benvolio and the Montagues, declaring, “I hate the word As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee: Have at thee, coward.” He is a cousin of Valentio and is invited with him to Capulet’s feast. When he recognizes Romeo there, he calls for his rapier, but Capulet, his elder-kin, forbids him to attack; Tybalt withdraws in anger.

Soon afterward, Tybalt sends a challenge to Romeo. In the duel at Verona, after Mercutio’s death, Romeo kills him: “They fight; Tybalt falls.” Tybalt is remembered as the kinsman of old Capulet; Lady Capulet calls him her cousin and brother’s child, while Juliet is described as having loved her cousin dearly. Later, Romeo addresses him as cousin in asking forgiveness.