William Shakespeare

The Merchant of Venice: characters

Principal characters

Antonio

A wealthy merchant in Venice and Bassanio's close friend. He puts his life at risk to help Bassanio borrow money.

Relationships

Bassanioclose friend and borrower
Gratianofriend
Portiadefender in court
Shylocklender and bitter enemy

Speaks in 6 of 20 scenes

Act 1

Act 2

Act 3

Act 4

Act 5

Bassanio
Portia
Shylock

Lovers and companions

Jessica
Lorenzo
Gratiano
Nerissa

Shylock's household and associates

Launcelot Gobbo
Tubal
Old Gobbo

Rulers and royal suitors

Duke of Venice
Prince of Morocco
Prince of Arragon

Other Venetian friends

Salarino
Solanio
Salerio

Other servants

Balthasar
Stephano

Characters only mentioned

Bellario
Leah
Portia's father

Access all 22 characters in The Merchant of Venice

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