This essay will critically analyze the character of Mercutio, exploring his spirit, his loyalty, and his tragic demise, to highlight his importance in the overall narrative. Mercutio, Romeo's close friend and confidant, is a complex and multifaceted character whose actions and words have a profound impact on the storyline. Thank you, Annette Hendley. Updated: 10: EDT. Mercutio as a foil to Romeo. An initial, superficial reading might suggest that Mercutio's purpose in Romeo and Juliet is comic relief. Mercutio is a relative of Prince Escalus in William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, and is close friends with Romeo Montague. In Romeo and Juliet, he appears for the first time, as himself. This essay on the portrayal of Mercutio in Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" examines how the character is modernized while retaining his essence from Shakespeare's original play. Focusing on Harold Perrineau's performance, the essay highlights how Mercutio's complexity, humor, and tragedy are brought to life.