Chapters
Irish author, Michael Scott once said, "Every story starts with an idea, but it is the characters that move this idea forward."
In this article, we will study the characters of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare and how they contribute to the emotional and dramatic impact of the plot.
Male Protagonist: Antonio — A Man of Many Faces
Let's begin with the title role, Antonio who is the merchant and a multifaceted character who shows different sides at different moments.
To his closest friends and social circle, Antonio is loyal, caring, and generous. At the beginning of the play, it is implied that Antonio has often offered financial assistance and emotional support to his friend, Bassanio.
This time around, he again supports Bassanio's plan to pursue a rich heiress despite his lack of financial funds. Antonio was willing to allow Bassiano to use his reputation as a merchant in Venice to vouch for the loan's credibility.
He acted as a guarantor for his friend Bassanio to a Jew moneylender he truly despises, Shylock. He even agreed to a ridiculous term by Shylock to offer a pound of his flesh if he is unable to repay the loan.
Conversely, Antonio is rude and extremely cruel to the Jewish community. He has repeatedly mistreated Shylock because of a difference in religion and moneylending practice.
For instance, he has humiliated Shylock verbally and physically by calling him a dog and spitting on him.
Shylock:
Say this: “Fair sir, you spet on me on Wednesday last;
Act 1, Scene 3
You spurned me such a day; another time
You called me ’dog'--and for these courtesies
I’ll lend you thus much moneys?”
Male Antagonist: Shylock — Villian vs Victim
Again, we see Shakespeare exploring the concept of duality through the character of Shylock.
Externally, Shylock is presented as a villain who only thinks about monetary gains and is driven by revenge. As a moneylender, Shylock is angry when he learns that Antonio lends money to others without charging interest — which directly affects his livelihood.
Shylock's desire for revenge is further fueled by his accumulated hatred towards Antonio because he was constantly humiliated by him for his identity as a Jew.
The setting of the play reflected the anti-Semitic elements of the Venetian community back then, where Christianity was the dominant religion.
So, when the tables turned and Antonio acted as the guarantor for Bassiano, Shylock seized this opportunity to demand a pound of Antonio's flesh. In other words, Shylock wanted his life.
He was persistent in fulfilling the terms of the bond in court despite being offered extra money as compensation — rejecting the notion of showing mercy to Antonio.
However, the audience also gets to see how Shylock was also a victim of his circumstances. He has experienced prejudice, and mistreatment as a Jew from the Christian community in Venice.
During the court trial, against Antonio, no one was on his side. Ironically, it was his identity as a Jew that caused the terms of his bond to backfire against him. His attempt to murder Antonio (a Christian) as a Jew in Venice would have strong legal implications. Hence, he was forced to give up half of his properties and his faith as a Jew, having been forced to convert to Christianity out of Antonio's request.
Not only that, he was left alone when his own daughter, Jessica took some of his gold, jewellery and his late wife's ring when she eloped with her Christian lover, Lorenzo.
Female Protagonist: Portia — Grace with Wit and Grit
Portia is the pivotal character who determines the outcome between Antonio and Shylock.
As a female who has no direct relations with either of them, Portia demonstrates her intelligence and quick thinking when she devises a comprehensive plan with Nerissa to disguise herself as a male lawyer, Bathalzar to defend Antonio.
Portia is also a determined character when it comes to doing what she believes is right. She supported Bassiano's decision to return to Venice to help Antonio and wanted to contribute personally to Antonio's release.
Portia:
Act 3, Scene 4
Come on, Nerissa, I have work in hand
That you yet know not of. We’ll see our husbands
Before they think of us.
Additionally, she believes in letting Shylock realise the significance of showing mercy and used her knowledge of Venetian law to her advantage against Shylock after he refused to accept her plea for mercy.
The Link To All The Characters: Bassanio
Though not the main protagonist or antagonist of the play, Bassanio's character is significant in advancing the plot. Without his relationships with the key characters in this play, there would be fewer dramatic and emotional elements.
If Bassanio did not borrow money from Shylock with Antonio, he would not have married Portia. Portia would not have saved Antonio's life later.
Bassanio is a close friend of Antonio, but he is immature and unwise in handling finances — always going above his means when it comes to spending. He greatly relies on Antonio for advice to secure sufficient funds to pursue a wealthy heiress, Portia.
However, he is also genuine and loyal towards the people around him. While he may be unwise in handling finances, Bassanio has an eye for character and emotional depth.
For instance, he chose the right person for financial assistance and he was not blinded by appearance to choose the right casket to win Portia's hand for marriage.
Additionally, he returns to Venice to defend Antonio from Shylock after receiving Antonio's letter in Belmont.
He was also willing to offer Shylock three times the amount of the original loaned money (three thousand ducats) as long as Shylock does not harm Antonio.
Minor Characters of The Play
Here are some minor characters who contributed to the general storyline and interactions in the play.
- Gratiano
A friend of Bassiano and Antonio, Gratiano serves as a comic relief in the play. He is also a loyal companion who travels with Bassiano to Belmont to pursue Portia and back to Venice to help Antonio. Outspoken and humorous, he ends up falling for Portia's maidservant, Nerissa.
- Nerissa
Portia's loyal and quick-witted maidservant. She is often a part of Portia's schemes and travels. She later marries Bassainio's friend, Gratiano.
- Jessica
Shylock's headstrong daughter who is head over heels with a Christian guy, Lorenzo. She is very bold and eloped with Lorenzo, taking her father's priced items with her.
We hope this article has helped you to understand the traits of each character and how their relationship dynamics influence the plot of the play.
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