Mini Character Profiles of Some Characters in Act 4&5
Shylock
- Shylock's ultimate goal is to have his revenge against Antonio.
- Shylock would not budge on his decision to have the forfeiture of his bond, even after Portia's eloquent speech on mercy and many chances for him to show mercy to Antonio by taking the six thousand ducats.
- Shylock follows the law to the letter, insisting that the law cannot stop him from having the forfeiture of his bond.
- Shylock is deaf to all the pleas of mercy.
- Shylock is
very calculative. He brought a scale to weigh the pound of flesh that he would
cut from Antonio. He wants to make sure that at the very least that he cuts a
pound of flesh.
Portia
- Portia is ruthless towards Shylock. First, she forbids Shylock to cancel his bond, then she reveals a law to hold Shylock acocuntable for plotting murder against Antonio, a Venetian citizen, which could result in Shylock's death.
- Portia shows ingenuity as she manipulates the wording of Shylock's bond and uses it against Shylock. She stops Shylock from having the forfeiture of his bond by letting Shylock to cut Antonio's flesh without shedding a drop of blood.
- Portia delights in mocking Bassanio about the fact that he lost the ring by giving the ring to Balthazar (Portia in disguise). She goes as far as to not let Bassanio sleep with her until Bassanio gets the ring back from Balthazar.
Duke
- The Duke is very sympathetic towards Antonio. He takes Antonio's side and repeatedly pleads Shylock to show mercy to Antonio.
- The Duke is merciful as he pardons Shylock's life even after Shylock plotted to murder Antonio by taking a pound of his flesh.
- The Duke is law abiding. He does not bend the law in order to save Antonio. He allows Shylock to proceed with the cutting of Antonio's flesh.
Bassanio
- Bassanio values Antonio above all else. He states that he would sacrifice even his own life and Portia's life to deliver Antonio from Shylock.
- Bassanio is a grateful person as he shows gratitude to Balthazar who saves Antonio's life by offering him a tribute.
- Bassanio is apolegetic towards Portia because he gave away the ring to Balthazar and tries to plead forgiveness from Portia for his "enforced wrong".