Why doesn't Juliet just run away with Romeo in Romeo & Juliet?

There are multiple possibilities when it comes to this question. First, it is a matter of narrative necessity. If she runs with him, they might live happily ever after. This is a tragedy. That means people must die. read more

Both Romeo and Juliet love their own families. It's not so easy to run away from a family you love and care about, especially when you have an inkling of the pain and damage you'll cause. They do try to run away, but it tragically doesn't go according to plan. read more

Shakespeare could have had Juliet run away with Romeo. They were together the morning he left for Mantua. She would have been protected and cared for by Romeo. But if Romeo would have allowed this to happen, the story would have been a happily-ever-after instead of the tragedy he was going for. read more

Juliet running away to Mantua would enrage the Capulets against her, and the Montagues against Romeo. But if Juliet was thought dead amd restored to life, her parents would be overjoyed and welcome Romeo as a son in law, which would end the feud and restore Romeo to Verona. read more