Some critics have thought the good Friar a herald of the Poet's intentions, through whose mouth Shakspeare is supposed to inform us that his poem is by no means a "hymn of praise," a "deification" of love, but on the contrary, that it is meant to show us that love is only a "happy intoxication" only a "flower liked for its sweet smell, the poison of which, when taken as food, will work fatally upon the heart." . . .
A noble young kinsman to the Prince. Paris is well-mannered and attractive and hopes to marry Juliet. Romeo fights and kills Paris at the Capulet tomb when Paris thinks that Romeo has come to desecrate the bodes of Tybalt and Juliet.
A kinsman of the Prince, and the suitor of Juliet most preferred by Capulet. Once Capulet has promised him he can marry Juliet, he behaves very presumptuous toward her, acting as if they are already married.