This document provides an introduction to William Shakespeare and his famous play Romeo and Juliet. It discusses that Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon and later became a member of The Lord Chamberlain's Men theatrical company in London. Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, telling the story of the doomed love between the young title characters from feuding families in Verona, Italy. It also lists the main characters from the two families involved and others in the play, as well as providing some historical context about Shakespeare and theaters of the time.

1. Introduction to Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet