Friar Laurence is a neutral character in the play. Both families worship at his church. The friar marries Romeo and Juliet because he hopes their love will end their parent's feud. He is also the one who gives Juliet the potion that makes her appear dead, in order to avoid her arranged marriage to Paris. He tells Romeo to wait in Mantua after his exile. He is caught outside Juliet's tomb at the end of the play, and confesses everything to the Prince. He is forgiven, because his intentions were good. He is very knowledgable about herbs and plants - both for medicine and poison.