Mercutio is an important foil character for Romeo as his realistic mindset amplifies Romeo’s dreamy and romantic thinking. First, Mercutio heightens Romeo’s idealistic mentality, as Mercutio has no belief in true love. For example, as Romeo expresses his love for Rosaline, Mercutio mocks him and points out that love is non-existent. This is represented when Mercutio says, “If love be rough with you, be rough with love. Prick love for pricking and you beat love down,” (Shakespeare, 1.4, 27-28). This quote reveals Mercutio’s sour attitude towards love and highlights Romeo's childish thinking. Moreover, Romeo is lost in grief and feels his world has fallen apart while Mercutio realizes the unnecessary gloominess Romeo is bringing upon himself. This in turn makes Mercutio a great foil as his knowledge and maturity contrasts with Romeo's innocence. Second, Mercutio’s death highlights Romeo’s rashness, his impulsive mentality, and foreshadows further catastrophe in the play.…