Here are some examples:
1. Subject of the dependent clause:
* The book that I read was very interesting.
* "that" is the relative pronoun, referring back to "book"
* "that" is the subject of the dependent clause "that I read"
* The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
* "who" is the relative pronoun, referring back to "woman"
* "who" is the subject of the dependent clause "who lives next door"
2. Object of the dependent clause:
* The car which I bought is red.
* "which" is the relative pronoun, referring back to "car"
* "which" is the object of the dependent clause "which I bought"
* The dog whom I saw at the park is a golden retriever.
* "whom" is the relative pronoun, referring back to "dog"
* "whom" is the object of the dependent clause "whom I saw at the park"
3. Possessive relative pronoun:
* The house whose roof is red is mine.
* "whose" is the relative pronoun, referring back to "house"
* "whose" shows possession in the dependent clause "whose roof is red"
Why are they called "relative" pronouns?
Because they relate the dependent clause to the independent clause. They show the connection between the two clauses by referring back to a noun in the independent clause.
Let me know if you'd like more examples or explanations!