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Abstract
Abstract: William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet remains one of the most influential tragedies in world literature, offering profound insights into human emotions, interpersonal relationships, and moral dilemmas. This study examines the positive and negative character traits of the principal figures in the play through a literary analysis grounded in the IMRAD framework. The research investigates how Shakespeare portrays virtues such as loyalty, courage, devotion, compassion, and forgiveness alongside flaws including impulsiveness, pride, hatred, revenge, and prejudice. Employing qualitative textual analysis, the study explores the behaviors, dialogues, and interactions of the main characters, including Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio, Tybalt, Friar Laurence, Nurse, Lord Capulet, Lady Capulet, and Prince Escalus. The findings reveal that Shakespeare deliberately combines admirable and destructive characteristics within each character, emphasizing the complexity of human nature. The analysis further demonstrates that the tragic conclusion of the play results not solely from individual weaknesses but also from social hostility, family conflicts, and ineffective communication. The research highlights that Romeo and Juliet continues to offer significant educational and ethical lessons relevant to modern society by illustrating the consequences of uncontrolled emotions and inherited prejudice. The study contributes to Shakespearean scholarship by providing a systematic evaluation of characterization through moral and psychological perspectives.
References
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