The supporting character I present to you today is, quite literally, a killer. At least in intention, though not in fact. He’s been my favorite supporting character since the first time I came across him--over twenty five years ago!
He’s not an obscure character, so I'll give you a chance to guess. His untimely death gave him eternal youth in our minds, but he’s only slightly younger than Dracula. He’s unique and timeless, but not undead. He’s irreverent—a fun-loving joker. He talks of dreams, he has unpredictable swings.
I believe he knew, at some level, that he would die young. He’s the embodiment of "carpe diem", in high contrast to the protagonist he supports so ably (a romantic given to writing poetry inspired in platonic love), and I believe the thirst of life of our character is driven by foreknowledge, at a subconscious level perhaps, that he would not live long.
His monologue is famous—pure magic of youth tinged with a fatality that grips the reader (or listener, for it was written to be spoken)—, as is his loyalty: unable to understand why his best friend will not fight the man who has insulted him, he draws his own sword against the threatener and dies. That thrust of sword under the arm of his best friend sets off the events that culminate in one of the literary world’s most poignant tragedies—so easily avoidable, had pride been less entrenched.
Did you guess Mercutio?
Very cool! I can't remember much about him... it's been awhile. But I love the way you described him!
ReplyDeleteI did not guess him. Like PK I haven't read that story in a long time. I love that this blogfest is recalling some great characters to my mind. THanks!
ReplyDeleteNo, but I was thinking Shakespearean :) Great choice!
ReplyDeleteAwesome choice! Mercutio is the epitome of a loyal friend. Your post was intriguing and full of information. Good job!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I couldn't guess, and I was very anxious to find out. Great to meet you through the Blogfest, I'm looking forward to following your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, everyone! I'm glad Mercutio was a bit of a surprise--and a reminder. Who was it that mentioned on their blog post that the "killer" part of this blogfest was picking the character? They're absolutely right. I paged through favorite novels all day yesterday, trying to choose... And you guys picked some great ones too!
ReplyDeleteBoo on me! I guessed Tybalt pretty early and didn't realize till you said it that I was mixing up their names! Tybalt is nothing like what you described. I am currently playing Juliet which is a role I played HALF my life ago. Can I really be that old?
ReplyDeleteThanks for a nod to the bard!
Love that you picked Shakespeare. Has me thinking for the next two posts...
ReplyDeleteI was totally thinking him. I watched Romeo and Juliet a few weeks ago. The one with Leo and Claire. Mercutio was done a little crazy in the movie, but it got his loyalty and love across really well.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
Ah! Fabulous choice and someone different! Love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great choice! And he's got the best line in the play: A plague on both your houses!
ReplyDeleteGreat choice - I like the way you did the reveal! Though i have to admit I didn't always see him in such a positive light - the hot-headedness always got in the way. In the first paragraph my first thought was Puck - at least I was in the right cannon! At the end though, I did get that it was Mercutio - patting self on back :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit, everyone! Doesn't matter that you mixed up the names, Shelly--you had the right character :) Mag, never thought of the similarity with Puck but OF COURSE! And you did guess--good for you! Jen, that "plague" line is great, and leads one to think that the whole aftermath was due to his curse... I think events had been set in motion already, but it's still something to think about. Abby, I'm glad you liked the different choice, and Jenny, yes--the Leo remake has Mercutio just a bit too far out. My favorite R&J movie is the Coppola one, old as it is :)
ReplyDeleteHe didn't even come to mind when I was thinking of supporting characters but he is one of the best, is he not? Every time I read or watch Romeo and Juliet I get into a crazy stupor for days, that's just a testament to how powerful it is!
ReplyDelete