Mercutio is a character in William Shakespeare's famous tragey, Romeo and Juliet. He is a relative of the Prince and Paris, and is a close friend of Romeo, and Romeo's cousin Benvolio. The invitation to the Capulet's party states that he has a brother named Valentine. Mercutio is apt to make long, drawn out speeches (the most famous of which is the Queen Mab speech), and is generally thought to be reckless, a jokester, and a free spirit. Due to his quick wit and flamboyant, affable personality, Mercutio is one of Shakespeare's most popular characters.