Romeo and Juliet: Tybalt's Misinterpretation of Romeo's Cowardice Romeo and Juliet is the story of two "star-crossed lovers who take their life" (prologue). Their families were ancient enemies based on an ancient grudge no longer known, but still strong. Romeo and Juliet fall passionately in love ignoring the fact they are, by household, enemies. Friar Lawrence joins them in marriage in hope "to turn their households' rancour to pure love"(p. 43). They married without their families' permission or knowledge and against their society's conventions. Neither Romeo nor Juliet could live without the other by their side