Scene 1
- Capulet servants mock Montague servants.
- A brawl develops on the streets of Verona.
- Young and old from both houses are involved.
- Tybalt jeers Benvolio's efforts to stop the fight.
- Prince Escalus warns that another fight will be punishable by death.
- Benvolio and the Montagues discuss Romeo's moodiness.
- Romeo explains to Benvolio that he is in love but his love is not returned. Benvolio tells him to forget the woman.
Scene 2
- Capulet tells Paris that it should not be too hard for both him and the Montagues to keep the peace.
- Capulet asks Paris to consider him suit of marriage to Juliet.
- Capulet asks Paris to be patient, telling him that she is only 13 and asks him to wait two more summers before marrying.
- He invites Paris to the feast where he can try and woo Juliet.
- He sends out a servant to invite people from a list but he cannot read.
- Romeo and Benvolio meet the servant and read the list for him.
- Benvolio suggests that they go to the party where Romeo will see Rosaline and Benvolio will make him look at other women to get over her.
Scene 3
- Lady Capulet sends for Juliet to talk to her about marriage.
- The Nurse says Juliet will soon be 14.
- Lady Capulet informs Juliet that Paris wants to marry her.
- Juliet says that she will do as her mother wishes and will go along to the party and see what Paris is like.
Scene 4
- Romeo, Benvolio, Mercutio and a few more are on their way to the party.
- Romeo is reluctant to go in and says he will hold the torch instead.
- Mercutio rambles on about Queen Mab and dreams.
- Romeo fears that something that happens tonight will result in death.
Scene 5
- Capulet greets his guests and encourages them to dance.
- He discusses with his cousin how long it has been since either of them has danced.
- Romeo sees Juliet and is stunned by her beauty.
- Tybalt recognises Romeo's voice and orders one of his servants to get his rapier, so that he can kill Romeo.
- Capulet advises Tybalt not to cause trouble.
- Tybalt, now angry, leaves the feast intending on getting his own way.
- Romeo speaks to Juliet and kisses her.
- Romeo learns from the Nurse that Juliet is Capulet's daughter.
- Juliet learns from the Nurse that Romeo is the son of her father's enemy.