Fate has such a large roll in Romeo and Juliet that it influences not only the overall story, but also nearly every character in the play. Romeo is affected greatly by fate, arguably more so than any other character. Instances of Romeo being affected by fate abound in the play, from initial coincidences all the way up to his final dramatically ironic death. Romeo's involvement with Juliet in the first place is based on fate. "God gi' go-den. I pray, sir, can you read?" (Act 1 Sc.2 L.58) The illiterate servant that Romeo stumbles upon gives Romeo the opportunity to attend the Capulet party, if this incredibly unusual event had not taken place, Juliet would have married Paris. The entire balcony scene where Romeo establishes his love for Juliet happens as a result of fate. "It is my lady! O, it is my love!" (Act 2 Sc.2 L.10) Romeo ducked away from his friends and happened to stumble into the Capulet's orchard while came out on the balcony, an astonishing instance of fate. Fate s!
             eems to work against Romeo as well. At the party, Romeo stumbles into Tybalt (a confrontation that ultimately means death for Mercutio and Tybalt as well as exile for Romeo), "This, by his voice, should be a Montague." (Act 1 Sc.5 L.56) Tybalt stumbles into Romeo by hearing him; this is an unlikely (chance) occurrence. Romeo is clearly suspect to fate, but what affect does it have on his overall role? Everything. It is fate that causes Romeo to pursue Juliet, and ultimately fate that tears him away. Juliet is subject to fate in very much the same way as Romeo. Juliet's relationship with Romeo happens as a result of fate on her part as well. Juliet meets Romeo in an unusual way, and only because they met in this way was it possible for Juliet to persist with Romeo. Had Juliet known Romeo was a Montague she would not have pursued him, but she did not know this. For she later asks her Nurse, "What is yond Ge...