# Benvolio — Romeo and Juliet character guide

> Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Benvolio Two, Benvolio Go, Benvolio Groan, Benvolio Madam, Benvolio Tut, Benvolio Soft

**First appearance:** 0003-act-i-scene-i

## Snapshot

Romeo's steady cousin, who reads his friend's heartbreak like a map and prescribes a cure: crash the Capulet feast and look at other beauties.

## Who they are

Benvolio is the peacemaker of the Montague circle, the one who opens the play trying to break up a street brawl and then turns his patience on Romeo's lovesick fog. He listens to his cousin's paradoxes about love without mockery, then offers the practical remedy of comparison — examine other beauties. That advice sets the plot in motion: it is Benvolio's idea that carries Romeo through the Capulet door, where the whole tragedy begins.

## Relationships

### [Romeo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/characters/romeo)

_friendship_

Benvolio is Romeo's peace-loving cousin and loyal friend who tries to counsel him.

### [Juliet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/characters/juliet)

_social_

Benvolio is a Montague cousin who has limited, indirect contact with Juliet.

## In the story

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i)

Acts as a peacemaker during the brawl and later tries to comfort and counsel Romeo about his unrequited love.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/chapters/act-i-scene-ii)

Encourages Romeo to attend the feast to compare Rosaline with other women.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iv)

Practical and urging the group to proceed to the feast; comments on the wind blowing them from themselves.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-i)

Seeks Romeo and tries to call him back.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iv)

Inquires about Romeo's whereabouts and informs Mercutio of Tybalt's letter.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-i)

Attempts to prevent the brawl and later recounts the events to the Prince.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/characters/benvolio
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/characters