At a Capulet party, Tybalt recognizes the voice of his foe, Romeo, and becomes enraged, immediately ordering a servant, “Fetch me my rapier, boy” and storms off declaring “Now, by the stock and honor of my kin, / to strike him dead I hold it not a sin” exemplifying his violent tendencies (1. 5. 62, 66-67). After the gathering, “Tybalt, the kinsman to old Capulet, / … [sends] a letter to [Romeo’s] father’s house” requesting a duel but Mercutio and Benvolio intercept it and begin speaking of him saying, “[he is] more than a prince of cats … he is … a duelist… a very good blade [and] a very tall man” showing his societal reputation as a combatant (2. 4. 7-8, 20, 25, 31). Tybalt continuously testifies to his bellicose reputation in the strife of Verona.
Shakespeare introduces character foils to highlight the characteristics of both characters involved.…