- Names: In the original Italian story, the main characters were named "Romeo Montecchi" and "Giulietta Capuleti." Shakespeare changed their names to "Romeo Montague" and "Juliet Capulet."
- Plot: The basic plot of the two versions is similar, with two young lovers from feuding families falling in love and ultimately dying together. However, there are some key differences in the plot. For example, in Shakespeare's version, Romeo and Juliet are married in secret, while in the original they are not. Additionally, in Shakespeare's version, Romeo is banished from Verona after killing Juliet's cousin Tybalt, and Juliet is forced to marry Paris. In the original, Romeo and Juliet are both killed by their fathers.
- Characters: Shakespeare's version of Romeo and Juliet introduces several new characters, including Mercutio, Benvolio, and the Nurse. These characters play important roles in the story, and they help to develop the characters of Romeo and Juliet.
- Language: Shakespeare's version of Romeo and Juliet is written in beautiful, poetic language. The play is full of similes, metaphors, and other figures of speech. This use of language helps to create a sense of atmosphere and to convey the emotions of the characters.
- Themes: Shakespeare's version of Romeo and Juliet explores a number of themes, including love, fate, and the consequences of violence. The play is a tragedy, and it ultimately shows how the love of Romeo and Juliet is destroyed by the feud between their families.