Outline of the main characters from The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

As part of our FREE character profiles for 12 key GCSE texts. We want to help you revise and learn GCSE English and GCSE English Literature to your full potential.
•    Shylock: A wealthy Jewish Moneylender. Shylock feels he has been mistreated by Antonio and other Venetian Christians. A strict adherent to the law of contract Shylock demands a pound of Antonio’s flesh as a guarantee for a loan. Shylock’s scheme for revenge is thwarted as he comes unstuck by the contract he thought to take advantage of.

•    Antonio: A Venetian Merchant. A friend of Bassanio. Antonio agrees to let his flesh secure a loan for his friend. Antonio shows a disliking of Jews but eventually lets Shylock of the hook.

•    Bassanio: Citizen of Venice and friend of Antonio. Bassanio intends to marry Portia. With Antonio as his guarantor Basanio borrows money from Shylock.

•    Portia: A wealthy, beautiful and intelligent Lady from Belmont. Portia loves Bassanio but according to her fathers will she must marry whoever chooses correctly from three caskets. Portia disguises herself as a lawyer and saves Antonio from giving his flesh to Shylock.

•    Gratiano: A friend of Bassanio. Gratiano marries Nerissa who is Portia’s maid. Gratiano is quite combative and is a big critic of Shylock.

•    Nerissa: Maid or lady-in-waiting to Portia. Marries Gratiano.

•    Balthasar: Portia’s servant.

•    Jessica: Shylock’s unhappy daughter. Jessica elopes with Lorenzo despite him being a Christian and her a Jew.

•    Launcelot Gobbo: Bassanio’s servant who was formerly employed by Shylock.

•    Old Gobbo: Launcelot’s father.

•    The Prince of Morocco: A suitor to Portia who luckily for Bassanio picks the wrong casket.

•    The Prince of Arragon: Also a suitor to Portia and likewise picks the wrong casket.

•    Salarino and Solanio: Venetian gentlemen, friends and escorts of Antonio, Bassanio and Lorenzo.

•    The Duke of Venice: The Ruler of Venice. The Duke presides over the trial of Antonio and greatly respects the law.
•    Tubal: A Jewish friend of Shylock.

Be sure check out our GCSE English Literature learning song, Merchant of Venice “You Wont Find me There”

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