What is Tybalt's characterization?

Answer 1

There are many views on this, since Tybalt doesn't get much lines, so his personality isn't all that well expressed.

Some view him as temperamental, grudge-holding, hot-headed. He has a deep-rooted hate for the Montagues, though it's never clearly expressed why (personal grudge or following family tradition?). He is a more to-the-point person, in contrary to Mercutio, though he does attempt a bit of sarcasm in Act 3, Scene 1 ("Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford no better term than this: thou art a villain.").


Some (like I) view him as a more of a "Playground bully"; arrogant because he takes Fencing lessons and is good at it, pompous because he's a Capulet. Like Mercutio says in Act 2, Scene 4, Tybalt fights by the book. Mercutio has an obvious hatred of him, though in this case, it might just be annoyance, since Mercutio is smart and witty, while Tybalt just thinks he is smart and witty.


Then there's Tybalt's stabbing of Mercutio. Some (I think most) depict it as an accident, since Romeo was in the way. But some also think that Tybalt took advantage of Romeo halting Mercutio to kill him, and ran when he knew he was going to "be in trouble".


All in all, it's more or less your own personal take on how he acts.

Answer 2

Tybalt is portrayed as hot-tempered, aggressive, and prideful in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." He is quick to anger and seeks vengeance for slights against his family, leading to his role as a catalyst for the tragic events in the play. Tybalt's fierce loyalty to the Capulet family and his disdain for the Montagues drive his actions and ultimately contribute to the downfall of the young lovers.

Answer 3

Tybalt likes fighting, conflict, violence and revenge. He is very protective of his family and friends. Tybalt hates peace and of course Romeo and the Montagues.