How is mercutio presented in the play?

I think because Mercutio likes to have a good laugh, is optimistic, loyal and a good friend. ... Later on in the play, when Tybalt arrives to fight Romeo, Mercutio stands in for Romeo as he is loyal towards his best friend. Mercutio cannot believe that Romeo would sacrifice his honour in this way, so he fights Tybalt instead.

Before conformation of my answer refer to your teacher too.

i would say that these are the two thesis statements best for a literary analysis essay on recurring themes in shakespeare's romeo and juliet:

1.  in romeo and juliet, shakespeare demonstrates that love comes in a variety of forms, be it romantic, familial, or between friends.

2.  shakespeare explores the struggle for identity through the character of juliet in his play romeo and juliet.

the other theses aren't reoccurring in this play. 

explanation:

well people will have to mark your answer as the best answer. and from that u receive crowns.

~batmans wife dun dun