Benvolio is a fictional character in Shakespeare's drama "Romeo and Juliet". He is Lord Montague's nephew and Romeo's cousin. Benvolio serves as an unsuccessful peacemaker in the play, attempting to prevent violence between the Capulet and Montague families.

The name Benvolio means "good-will" or "well-wisher" or "peacemaker" which is a role he fills, to some degree, as a peace-maker and Romeo's friend. He also wants peace so civil brawls between him and Tybalt (Juliet's cousin) can stop but will also do anything for his family even if that means war against the Capulets.

"Romeo and Juliet" is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about two young Italian star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with "Hamlet", is one of his most frequently performed plays. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers.

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