This question is based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. What can you infer about Benvolio based on his interaction with Romeo and parents

Step 1: Analyze the question You are asked to infer Benvolio's character from how he interacts with Romeo and with the elders (Montague and Lady Montague) in Romeo and Juliet.

Step 2: Recall the key evidence

• Act 1, Scene 1: When Tybalt finds Benvolio with his sword drawn, Benvolio says, "I do but keep the peace: put up thy sword, / Or manage it to part these men with me." He tries to stop the fight between the Montague and Capulet servants, not to start it.
• With Montague and Lady Montague: He gives an honest, balanced account of the brawl and does not blame others unfairly. The parents trust him and ask him about Romeo's sadness.
• With Romeo: He acts as a caring cousin and friend. He tries to cheer Romeo up over his heartbreak for Rosaline, advising him to "examine other beauties" and move on. Later he warns Romeo and Mercutio to stay off the streets in the heat of the day: "the day is hot, the Capulets abroad... we shall not scape a brawl."

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Troublemaker: Wrong. Tybalt and Mercutio are the hot-headed ones, while Benvolio tries to avoid trouble.
• B. Cabinet maker: Irrelevant. It is a pun on "peacemaker" and has no basis in the play.
• C. Kingmaker: Wrong. Benvolio has no political power. The authority figure is Prince Escalus.
• D. Peacemaker: Correct. His name even suggests it, since Benvolio comes from the Italian benvolere, meaning "to wish well."

Answer: D. Benvolio is a peacemaker

Exam tip: In JAMB Literature, character questions are usually answered by finding the character's consistent behaviour. Benvolio is the calm, reasoning foil to the fiery Tybalt and Mercutio. Remember: Benvolio = "Benevolent" = peace. Also, when two options sound alike (peacemaker/troublemaker/cabinet maker/kingmaker), go for the one supported by a specific quotation from the text.