1. Lord Capulet (Juliet's Father): Lord Capulet initially reacts with anger and disapproval toward efforts to defend Juliet. He believes that Juliet has disgraced the family by disobeying his authority and marrying Romeo, a Montague. He dismisses any attempts to justify her actions and insists on punishing her by sending her away to a monastery.
2. Lady Capulet (Juliet's Mother): Lady Capulet appears somewhat more sympathetic to Juliet's plight than her husband. She tries to reason with Lord Capulet about the futility of their harsh punishment and suggests that they should try to understand Juliet's perspective. However, she ultimately succumbs to Lord Capulet's authority and does not actively defend Juliet.
3. The Nurse: The Nurse serves as Juliet's confidante and is fiercely loyal to her. She attempts to defend Juliet by expressing her love and sympathy for her young charge. She believes that Juliet is a victim of circumstances and that her actions are driven by true love, making her worthy of understanding and forgiveness.
4. Friar Laurence (Juliet's Confessor): Friar Laurence plays a crucial role in trying to defend Juliet and help her reunite with Romeo. He devises a plan to fake Juliet's death and reunite her with Romeo, hoping to spare both of them from further consequences. He pleads with Lord Capulet to reconsider his harsh punishment and urges him to forgive Juliet, arguing that her punishment exceeds the bounds of reason and mercy.
5. Society's Norms and Expectations: The society in which "Romeo and Juliet" is set places a strong emphasis on familial honor and obedience to patriarchal authority. Attempts to defend Juliet are often met with opposition, as her actions are seen as defiance against societal norms and expectations. The pressure to conform to these norms overshadows any attempts to consider her individual circumstances and feelings.
Overall, while some characters make attempt to defend Juliet and understand her motivations, they face obstacles rooted in societal conventions, family pressure, and the prevailing values of the time. Her defense becomes a complex matter caught between personal loyalties, social constraints, and the tragic consequences set in motion by the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.