Sampson and Gregory, who are Capulet servants, express their dissatisfaction in Verona and state that they will not tolerate any insults from the Montague family.
Abram and Balthasar, servants of the Montague family, confront each other and engage in a quarrel. Benvolio, nephew of Lord Montague, attempts to intervene and stop the fight. However, Tybalt, nephew of Lady Capulet, arrives and challenges Benvolio to a fight. As the altercation escalates, officers try to intervene but even Lord Capulet and Lord Montague join in the fighting. The Prince of Verona, Escalus, arrives and puts an end to the conflict. He declares that anyone who continues fighting will face death as punishment. Later, at Montague’s house, he, his wife, and Benvolio discuss Romeo’s recent sadness. Benvolio promises to discover the cause behind Romeo’s melancholy.
Speaking with Romeo, Benvolio discovers that Romeo is in love with Rosaline, a woman who has taken a vow of chastity. Benvolio suggests that Romeo pursue other women, but Romeo refuses. In another conversation, Paris, who is related to the Prince of Verona, approaches Lord Capulet to discuss marrying his daughter Juliet. Capulet explains that Juliet is too young, being just 14 years old, and must wait two more years before getting married. Furthermore, Capulet states that Juliet will only marry the man of her choosing. Despite this, Capulet invites Paris to a party later that evening. As Capulet’s servant is unable to read the guest list, he asks Romeo for help.
Upon learning about the party, Benvolio convinces Romeo to go and compare Rosaline, whom he cannot have, to other more beautiful women to distract himself. At Capulet’s residence, Lady Capulet discusses Juliet’s feelings about marrying Paris while the Nurse, who has known Juliet since childhood, listens and shares stories. Though hesitant, Juliet promises to be polite. Wearing masks, Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio head to the Capulet party. Romeo remains melancholic and shares his fearful dream about an impending death as a result of the evening’s events, but Benvolio mocks him. The Montagues also attend the party at Capulet’s house, all wearing masks.
