Fate is the power that is supposed to settle ahead of time how things will happen. Romeo and Juliet lives were ruled by fate. Even though they thought they should be together fate had different plans for both of them. Fate did not rule in their favour.

A large part of the beliefs for both Romeo and Juliet involved fate. They believed in the stars, and that their actions weren't always their own. Romeo, for example, 1.4.107-113 says, "Some consequence yet hanging in the stars...by some vile forfeit of untimely death. But he that hath the steerage over my course Direct my sail." He's basically saying to his friends that he had a dream, which leads him to believe that he will die young because of something in the stars, something that will happen. He ends with "...he that hath steerage over my course..." which implies that he does not have control over his life if he looks to another power above himself to direct him. He does not feel that he is the one who makes decisions; it is all a higher power with purpose.

Romeo had a crush on Rosaline, who did not return these feelings. An illiterate servant of the Capulet's was sent to invite people on a list to a party that the Capulet's were throwing. While Romeo babbled on about his life with Benvolio (his cousin) and kings men. Romeo bumped into this servant who asked him to read the list. Rosaline's name appeared, which got Romeo to agree to go the party. This sets everything up for the Romeo and Juliet. They met at the party and feel deeply in love with each other. They realize later their identities, but they are in love and won't let their names get in the way of that strong emotional bind. Fate had an immense impact in this scene.

Another example of fate was after Romeo killed Tybalt because of Tybalt killing Mercutio in a sword fight. After Romeo kills Tybalt he shouts, "O, I am fortune’s fool!" (III, i, 134) Here Romeo understands the full impact of this tragic event on his future and how everything started to deter ate after he met Juliet. Fate is so strong that it works within the characters. Juliet says, "If all else fail, myself have power to die." (III, vi, 244), once she sees how all the events lead up to a tragic ending.

"...Fate can only take you so far, the rest is up to you." Fate got Romeo and Juliet together, and in turn destroyed them. After Romeo and Juliet feel in love they knew their love was not meant to be. Fate played a major role in Romeo and Juliet love and life.