Friar Laurence's plan involves informing both Romeo and Juliet of a potion Friar Laurence has brewed. This potion will make Juliet appear dead, causing the Capulet family to mourn her and place her in the Capulet tomb. Friar Laurence will then send a message to Romeo informing him of the plan and instructing him to hide until Juliet wakes up. Unfortunately, Romeo never receives this message because of miscommunications and delays.
Without knowing about the plan, Romeo believes Juliet is truly dead and is inconsolable. He visits her in the Capulet tomb and makes the rash decision to poison himself. He drinks the poison just before Juliet awakens, resulting in a heartbreaking tragedy as they narrowly miss reuniting.