The traits of Romeo and Mercutio

Romeo and Mercutio are interesting characters to describe because they are foils to each other, which means that they display contrasting traits that work to emphasize the differences between them.
Romeo is a true romantic, with stars in his eyes and thoughts of love always in his imagination. He is emotional and sensitive, and he expresses himself with figurative and poetic language, much to Mercutio's irritation. Mercutio mocks Romeo's emotional attachment to the notion of love. He does not view love and romance as emotionally positive experiences, focusing instead on only the physical pleasures of love. He is simultaneously a prankster and a hot head, and his fiery intensity contrasts with Romeo's dreamy personality. Romeo takes everything to heart, even the most minor details, while Mercutio pokes fun at most every situation, no matter how serious.