Characters of a play "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare.

 Characters of a play "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare.

Central Characters:

   Shylock: The wealthy Jewish moneylender of Venice. He is the play's antagonist, often portrayed as vindictive and driven by revenge due to the rampant antisemitism he faces. His demand for a "pound of flesh" from Antonio is the central conflict of the play. He is a complex character, simultaneously a victim of prejudice and a perpetrator of cruelty.

  Portia: A rich, intelligent, and beautiful heiress of Belmont. She is bound by her deceased father's will, which dictates that her suitors must choose the correct casket (gold, silver, or lead) to win her hand. She is known for her wit, her resourcefulness (especially in the court scene), and her ultimately merciful nature.

  Antonio: The titular "Merchant of Venice." He is a wealthy, respected and melancholic Christian merchant. He is Bassanio's loyal and generous friend, willing to risk his life for him. He harbors significant prejudice against Shylock, contributing to the bond's terms.

  Bassanio: A young Venetian nobleman, kinsman and close friend of Antonio. He is a spendthrift who wishes to woo Portia to restore his fortunes. He is charming but sometimes naive and his need for money sets the bond plot in motion.

Significant Supporting Characters:

  Jessica: Shylock's daughter. She is unhappy living with her father and eventually elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian, converting to Christianity and taking a significant portion of her father's wealth, including his precious ring given by his deceased wife.

  Lorenzo: A friend of Antonio and Bassanio, and Jessica's Christian lover. He helps Jessica escape from Shylock's house.

  Gratiano: A friend of Antonio and Bassanio, known for his lively, often crude, and boisterous nature. He accompanies Bassanio to Belmont and falls in love with and marries Nerissa.

  Nerissa: Portia's clever and loyal lady-in-waiting and confidante. She plays an active role in Portia's schemes, including disguising herself as Portia's law clerk during the trial. She marries Gratiano.

  Launcelot Gobbo: Shylock's clownish servant who later leaves Shylock's service to work for Bassanio. He provides comic relief through his puns and mispronunciations.

  Duke of Venice: The governing authority who presides over Antonio's trial. He represents Venetian law and justice, although he is initially sympathetic to Antonio's plight.

Minor Characters:

  Prince of Morocco: One of Portia's unsuccessful suitors who chooses the gold casket, believing that what glisters most is best.

  Prince of Arragon: Another of Portia's unsuccessful suitors who chooses the silver casket, convinced of his own merit.

  Old Gobbo: Launcelot Gobbo's blind father, also a comical character.

  Tubal: A wealthy Jew and a friend of Shylock, who provides Shylock with news of Jessica and his losses.

  Salarino, Solanio, Salerio: Venetian gentlemen and friends of Antonio and Bassanio. They often act as narrators, discussing Antonio's sadness and the news of his ships.

  Doctor Bellario: Portia's cousin, a renowned lawyer who provides the letters and instructions for Portia's disguise as Balthazar. He does not appear on stage.

  Balthazar and Stephano: Servants of Portia.

The interplay between these characters, particularly the stark contrast between the Christian Venetians and the Jewish Shylock, drives the central themes and conflicts of The Merchant of Venice.