An ambitious, sly, snarky person who wishes to become Montague's heir. He is contemptuous of the common people and is charged by Montague to spy on Romeo. He also seems to have some degree of interest in Hermione, but whether he has honest feelings for her or desires to use her as a pawn in his possible plans remains debatable. Mercutio's desire for power appears to stem from his resentment towards his father, Titus, who doesn't live up to his son's expectations as a Montague advisor. Montague is aware of his disdain for his father and encourages - none too subtlety - Mercutio to kill Titus, but he doesn't do it.
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