The character most driven by hate in Romeo and Juliet is Tybalt. He is, of course, a Capulet, and is Juliet's cousin. When he is introduced, Tybalt is about to fight Benvolio, a Montague, who he encounters in the street (Benvolio is actually trying to break up a fight between members of each house). He is so consumed with hatred for the Montagues that he nearly disobeys Lord Capulet's command not to attack Romeo at the family masque when Romeo shows up in disguise. Later, he comes looking for Romeo, and kills Mercutio when Romeo, having just married Juliet (and thus become Tybalt's kinsman) refuses to fight. Romeo kills Tybalt after Mercutio's death, and is banished for the crime. Lady Capulet reveals herself to be full of hate when she discovers Tybalt is dead, beseeching the Prince to execute Romeo and even telling Juliet she can have him killed by someone in Mantua. Overall, the mutual hate between the Capulets and the Montagues is the most important aspect of the plot, hanging over the love of Romeo and Juliet and casting a shadow over the city of Mantua itself.
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