Why is friar the most admirable character in Romeo and Juliet?

Answer 1

I don't think he is. While he does a good job of counselling Romeo and Juliet out of committing suicide, he has a nasty habit of failing to follow through with plans which put other people at risk, and all due to his personal cowardice and self-interest.

Specifically, he agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet in order to reconcile their families. But in order for that to happen, the families have to know that their children are married. Friar Lawrence has an ideal opportunity and indeed a moral imperative to disclose the fact to Capulet when the Friar is called upon to marry Juliet to Paris, but he says nothing because he is afraid that he will be blamed and attacked by Capulet.

Likewise, he has Juliet embark on a dangerous scheme whereby she fakes her death. But she ends up doing this a day earlier than planned, so the Friar's message to Romeo, even if Friar John had not been quarantined, would have been a day too late. Does the Friar send a message by someone else, like Balthazar? No. How about Benvolio? No. Does he stick to Juliet like glue, knowing that the plan has gone wrong? No. In fact, knowing her to be distraught and suicidal, he leaves her on her own with the corpse of her husband because he is afraid of being caught there by the guards. How much more cowardly and selfish can you get?

I don't admire the Friar in the least.

Answer 2

The Friar is often seen as one of the most admirable characters in "Romeo and Juliet" because he tries to promote peace and unity between the two warring families, the Montagues and the Capulets. He also demonstrates compassion and selflessness in his efforts to help Romeo and Juliet, even though his plans ultimately lead to tragedy. Additionally, the Friar shows wisdom and understanding in his guidance to the young lovers.