Question

Write a few lines about each character. 

Answer 1

1. Antonio: He is the merchant of Venice referred to in the title of the story. He was very rich and had many ships that he sent and sold merchandise to other countries. He was a kind man, who had many friends. He lent his friend Bassanio money to travel to Belmont so that he may get a chance to marry a beautiful lady named Portia. Antonio had no money at that time. So he borrowed money from a moneylender named Shylock. Antonio even signed a bond saying that if he did not repay the money on time, Shylock could cut off a pound of his flesh.
2. Bassanio: Bassanio was a young handsome nobleman, who didn't have any money. He wanted to marry a beautiful lady named Portia. Bassanio and Antonio were very good friends.
3. Shylock: Shylock was a miserly moneylender. He was very rich but only cared for money. He hated Antonio because Antonio sometimes lent money to people without charging interest. He lent money to Antonio on the condition that if he did not pay it back on time, he (Shylock) could cut off a pound of Antonio's flesh.
4. Portia: Portia was a beautiful young lady from Belmont. She was very rich and very intelligent. She appeared in disguise as a male lawyer to fight Antonio's case in court. She saved Antonio very smartly.
5. The Duke: The Duke liked Antonio and was sorry for him but he had to go by the law. He had to make Antonio fulfill the condition of his bond to Shylock. Still, he asked Shylock to show mercy to Antonio.