Was Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet Originally Written as a Boy or a Girl?

The characters in Shakespeare's plays are typically

gendered; males are written as males, and females as females. This is a common practice and is not considered unusual. In the case of the Mercutio, he is explicitly written as a male character, whose humor and aggressive behavior align with this portrayal. Furthermore, Mercutio's role as a competent duellist, armed with a sword, underscores his inherent masculinity.

Historical Context and Acting Company Roles

During the Elizabethan and Tudor eras, acting companies were exclusively male. This means that there were no actresses playing female roles. Consequently, a 'boy' actor—a young, male actor—would often play female parts. Romeo, Juliet, and other female characters would traditionally be portrayed by these young actors, who specialized in both tragic and comedic roles. Comic parts, such as the Nurse, would often be played by the adult clown in the company, known as a vice or rebound.

Mercutio and Shakespeare's Intentions

Given Mercutio's armed status and his role in the crucial street fight, it is highly likely that Shakespeare intended Mercutio to be a young man. His presence in the scene as a competent duellist contributes significantly to the dynamics and plot. Besides, writers, as a rule, tend to be consistent in their characterizations, making it highly improbable that Shakespeare would have altered Mercutio's gender after initial conception.

Shakespeare's Practice of Character Consistency

Shakespeare and other plays generally do not alter their protagonists' gender midway through the creation process. For instance, consider the character of King Lear. He is consistently portrayed as a king and his struggles and experiences in the play remain unchanged regardless of any potential story requirements. Similarly, Mercutio is a male, and this portrayal is likely to have remained unchanged, given the quality of Shakespeare's work and the conventions of the time.

Conclusion

Based on the historical context of Shakespeare's era and the typical practices of acting companies, it is clear that Mercutio was originally written as a male character. His demeanor, his role as a duellist, and the consistency in playwrights' characterizations all support this conclusion. Therefore, the portrayal of Mercutio as a male aligns with the norms and practices of Shakespeare's time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How did Shakespeare's era handle female roles?
A: During the Tudor and Elizabethan eras, all roles, including those of female characters, were played by male actors. Q: Was it common for male actors to play female roles?
A: Yes, it was common for young male actors to play female roles, while older male clowns played comic female roles. Q: How did playwrights' practices influence Mercutio's original writing?
A: Playwrights adhered to consistent character portrayals, making it highly unlikely that Mercutio's gender would have been altered in the writing process.