Friar Laurence, a holy father of the Franciscan order, is a wise and philosophical character in Verona who spends intense effort on herbs and pharmacy. As Romeo's mentor, Laurence takes a risk by helping the young couple marry with the intention of ending the families' long-standing feud. When events spiral out of control with Tybalt's death and the decree of exile, he does not panic but instead conceives a plan for fake death and internment in the tomb to save Juliet. This noble-hearted plan is ruined when his messenger, Friar John, fails to reach Mantua due to a quarantine. In the finale, he arrives at the cemetery, albeit late, and finds Romeo dead, but as he panics and leaves Juliet alone, her suicide cannot be prevented. Though he clarifies the situation to the public, he is considered an indirect killer.
A neutral religious figure who lives by collecting herbs in nature, is accepted by the people of Verona as a friend of God and an innocent soul, and is respected by both the Montagues and the Capulets.
A face of an old clergyman who walks barefoot, wears frayed robes, and carries a wicker basket and a worn-out pickaxe.
Prens
The secular and absolute authority before whom he must answer when he makes a mistake.
Romeo
Like a naive but foolish child, his ward whom he frequently scolds.
Juliet
The young girl under his protection for whom he has great respect but whose boldness leaves him terrified.