As you read Romeo and Juliet, take notes to keep track of the inferences you make about the
character's motivations.
Character's Motivation
(character name and
motivation)
Sampson's motivation is to
provoke a fight with the
Montagues' servant.
Character Motivation Analysis
How Motivation Is
Revealed
(textual evidence)
Sampson says, "I will bite my
thumb at them; which is disgrace
to them if they bear it." (line 37)
How Evidence Reveals the
Character's Motivation and
Develops the Character
Sampson knows that biting his
thumb will make Abraham angry
and possibly throw a punch.
Sampson wants Abraham to
"start" the fight so that he,
Sampson, can fight back.