Mini Character Profiles of Some Characters in Act 1&2
Antonio
- Antonio is the introduced in the play as a melancholic person. He is neither sad nor in love. The sadness that he experiences is very profound.
- Antonio is best friends with Bassanio, who always borrows money from him. Antonio does not expect Bassanio to repay the money that he owes him. Antonio views friendship as more important than money.
- When Bassanio attempts to borrow money from Antonio, in order to travel to Belmont, Antonio has no money on hand but eagerly tries to borrow money from other people to equip Bassanio for his journey to Belmont.
- Antonio is willing to put his own life on the line to borrow three thousand ducats from Shylock, all for the sake of Bassanio. The bond between the two is very strong.
Bassanio
- Bassanio is introduced as Antonio's best friend, from which Bassanio frequently borrows money but does not pay it back. Bassanio is in debt to many people, in terms of money. He is used to living the high life by spending lots of money, even when he is in debt.
- Bassanio loves Portia as well as money. When Bassanio describes Portia to Antonio, he describes her as "a lady rich left" shows that he wants to marry Portia partially because of her wealth.
- Bassanio wants to borrow more money from Antonio to travel to Belmont, in order to woo Portia.
- Bassanio puts his need to borrow money over the safety of Antonio by agreeing with Shylock's dangerous terms.
Shylock
- Shylock is introduced as a stereotypical Jewish moneylender who charges interest.
- Shylock hates Antonio with a fiery passion because of various reasons.
- Shylock is an opportunist, he jumps at the chance lock Antonio into a bond that would require Antonio to sacrifice his life if he is not able to repay the bond in three months.
- Shylock seems to put money over his relationship with Jessica. Salerio acts out Shylock's reaction to Jessica runnning
Portia
- Portia is first described as a rich and beautiful woman that all men desire.
- Portia appears depressed as she cannot choose her own husband. The will of Portia's father dictates who Portia will marry, the man who chooses the correct casket will marry Portia. Portia is loyal to her father's will even after her father has passed away.
- Many have come to woo Portia but she is repulsed by them all. The only person that she fancies is Bassanio.