how would you describe romeos best friend. what kind of a person is he? how does his personality differ from that of Benvolio.

You need to read up on characters and various acts and scenes.

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/romeojuliet/
and
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/romeojuliet/

Let us know what you decide.

To describe Romeo's best friend, we need to look at the character of Mercutio. Mercutio is a close friend of Romeo and is known for his vibrant personality and quick wit.

To understand Mercutio's personality and how it differs from Benvolio, we can examine their distinctive traits:

1. Mercutio: Mercutio is a highly energetic and vivacious character. He possesses a sharp tongue and is known for his wit. He often engages in wordplay and double entendre, making him a skilled and entertaining speaker. Mercutio is also shown as being unpredictable and impulsive, which adds to his overall lively nature.

2. Benvolio: Benvolio, on the other hand, can be described as the opposite of Mercutio. While both characters are Romeo's friends, Benvolio is depicted as level-headed and peace-loving. He is often the voice of reason, frequently attempting to defuse conflicts and maintain peace in Verona. Benvolio is seen as more of a calm and rational character compared to the exuberant Mercutio.

In summary, while both Mercutio and Benvolio are Romeo's close friends, their personalities differ significantly. Mercutio is animated, humorous, and prone to quick-witted banter, whereas Benvolio is a more composed and peaceful character.