Three-Act Plot Analysis

Act I

Romeo and Juliet fall in love, only to realize that they are on opposite sides of an ongoing war between their families. Act I ends with the lovers pursuing their affair (the famous balcony scene).

Act II

Romeo is banished from Verona, so the Friar has Juliet fake her death so she can join Romeo in Mantua. However, Romeo does not receive word she is actually still alive.

Act III

Romeo kills himself next to Juliet's comatose body; when she awakes, she kills herself in response to finding his corpse. The families finally end their cycle of hate.