What is the main conflict in "Romeo and Juliet"?

The main conflict in "Romeo and Juliet" revolves around the long-standing feud between the Montagues and Capulets. This bitter rivalry sets the stage for the tragic love story between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. Their relationship is complicated by their families' animosity, which not only makes their love forbidden but also leads to a series of events that culminate in tragedy. The feud acts as a catalyst for the actions taken by both families and plays a critical role in the unfolding of the plot.

The love between Romeo and Juliet, while a central theme, is deeply intertwined with the conflict of the family feud; without the animosity between their families, their relationship might have flourished without the tragic consequences. The involvement of the Prince and the influence of Friar Lawrence are significant elements in the story, but they serve as reactions to the primary conflict rather than being sources of the main tension. The feud is the root cause of the obstacles that ultimately leads to the tragic ending of the play.