The character of Mercutio was a valuable asset to William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet." From his witty word play and insightful observations to his violent death Mercutio held the audience entrapped, hanging on his every word as he provided them with humour, insight and a fast paced tone, whenever he appeared on stage.
Mercutio's word play is a common feature of his speech, in Act 1 scene 4 Mercutio is trying to entice Romeo out of his lovesick state. He implores him to join them at a dance, when Romeo refuses saying he is to unhappy, he can not dance Mercutio says scathingly "you are a lover, borrow cupids wings and soar with them" (1.4.18-19). Meaning that being in love seemed to be apart of Romeos character, so maybe he should embrace it, not shy away from it. It is Mercutio's quick wit that makes him a favourite with audiences, even when mortally wounded by Tybalt, and feeling death approaching, his sense of humour does not leave him "look for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man" (3.1.95-97). Punning the word grave to mean both serious (ie tomorrow he will give up his witty games as he will be gone) and also his grave, as he has been wounded and is going to die. Mercutio's lightning wit and skilful word play add interest and comic relief for the audience, even when dying his first thought is to entertain. While outside the main line of progress in the play Mercutio was still in his own right an important character of the play. .
The observations made by Mercutio are perceptive and honest, contrary to the other characters, who lie, deceive and regret, Mercutio is open and genuine with everyone he meets. When Romeo comes to him moping about Rosaline, the girl he loves but does not return his affections, Mercutio advises " sink in it, should you burden love - too great oppression for a tender thing" (1.4.23-25). Meaning that if love is such a burden for him (Romeo), maybe he should give it up.
