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In Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence has a major role. Romeo and Juliet trusted Friar Lawrence completely, turning to him for advice, and solutions. He was there throughout Romeo’s and Juliet's lives; he married them, came up with a plan to keep them together, and was a friend throughout their tragedies. However, Friar Lawrence’s choice to marry Romeo and Juliet, his plan for rescuing Juliet from an unwanted marriage to Paris, and his fear of committing sin all contributed to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
Friar Lawrence, through his lack of good judgment, is largely responsible for the deaths of both Romeo and Juliet.  Rather than being supportive of them, Friar Lawrence took the “easy” way out.  He secretly married Romeo and Juliet instead of standing behind them and encouraging them to confront their families with the facts about their commitment to and love for each other.  As a result, an even stronger bond between them was created through marriage: “For, by your leaves, you shall not stay alone / Till holy church incorporate two in one.” Friar Lawrence married Romeo and Juliet, hoping that their union would bring an end to the constant feuding between their two families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Though the Friar’s intentions were good, they were certainly along a pathway to tragedy.  None of the tragedies would have occurred if Romeo and Juliet were not married. When Tybalt challenged Romeo to a fight, Romeo, now being related to Tybalt through marriage, refused to fight, saying, "Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee / Doth much excuse the appertaining rage / To such a greeting...” When Mercutio stepped in to defend Romeo, Romeo tried to stop the fighting.  It was his interference that led to Mercutio’s death. “Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under / your arm.” Shortly after, in a rage that would cause his banishment, Romeo lashed out at Tybalt and killed him saying, “Tybalt, that an hour / Hath...