Romeo and Tony, the lead male characters from the play, Romeo and Juliet, and the film, West Side Story, are similar and different in many ways. Both are young men who fell in love with women from rival groups, and their love led to their tragic ends; however, they also possess different backgrounds and experiences that make them unique characters. In this essay, I will highlight the similarities and differences between the characters, and determine which was the more effective character.
Between Romeo and Tony, it is evident that both are passionate, emotional, and deeply in love with their subjective lovers. Romeo is deeply in love with Juliet and is willing everything to be with her, even death, as he once said, my life were better “ended by their hate, than death prorogued, wanting of thy love,” (Act II
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To reveal Romeo’s character, Shakespeare used soliloquies, his relationships with others, and his actions. For example, Romeo’s soliloquies (in Act II Scene 2) display his inner turmoil and emotional struggle as he was torn between his love for Juliet and his loyalty to his family. His relationships with other characters, such as Friar Lawrence and Mercutio, highlight his growth throughout the play. Lastly, Romeo's actions revealed his impulsive and passionate nature; one example of this was when Romeo drank the poison as soon as he saw Juliet’s body, without checking to see if she was actually dead (Act V Scene 3). In contrast, the director and producer of West Side Story used musical numbers, relationships, and actions to reveal Tony's character. Tony's emotional state and inner struggles are revealed through his musical numbers, such as "Maria" and “Something’s Coming.” His relationships with Riff and Maria demonstrate his growth and change, while his actions, such as killing Bernardo, reveal his willingness to take extreme measures for