Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about the romance between two Italian youths from feuding families. The play is set in Verona, Italy, and follows the story of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, who fall in love despite their families long-standing feud. Here is a summary of the plot:

• The play begins with a brawl between the Montagues and Capulets, two powerful families in Verona.
• Romeo Montague is hopelessly in love with Rosaline, but his friends persuade him to go disguised to a Capulet party where he meets Juliet Capulet.
• Romeo and Juliet fall in love at first sight and secretly marry with the help of Friar Laurence.
• Juliets cousin Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel, but Romeo refuses to fight. Romeos friend Mercutio fights Tybalt and is killed. In anger, Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished by the Prince.
• Juliet is anxious when Romeo is late to meet her and learns of the brawl, Tybalts death, and Romeos banishment. Friar Laurence arranges for Romeo to spend the night with Juliet before he leaves for Mantua.
• The Capulet family grieves for Tybalt, so Lord Capulet moves Juliets marriage to Paris to the next day. Juliets parents are angry when Juliet doesnt want to marry Paris.
• Friar Laurence gives Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead so she does not have to marry again. He sends Romeo a note to explain the plan and Juliet takes the potion. Her body is moved to the family tomb.
• Romeo does not receive the note about the potion from Friar Laurence and thinks Juliet is really dead. He buys some poison and goes back to Verona. Romeo goes to the tomb and realizes he cant live without Juliet. He takes the poison and dies next to her.
• Juliet wakes up and sees Romeo dead. She then kills herself with Romeo’s dagger.

The play explores themes of love, sex, and marriage, and the conflict between the main characters love, with its transformative power, and the darkness, hatred, and selfishness of the world around them.