Character guide

Portia

major

Also known as Sweet Portia, fair Portia

A wealthy heiress bound by her father's will; disguises as a lawyer to save Antonio.

Shylock

major

Also known as old Shylock, the Jew

A Jewish moneylender who demands a pound of flesh from Antonio as bond.

Bassanio

major

Also known as Lord Bassanio, Signior Bassanio

Antonio's friend who borrows money to woo Portia; chooses the correct casket.

Antonio

major

Also known as Signior Antonio, the merchant

The melancholic merchant who signs Shylock's bond; saved by Portia's wit.

Gratiano

supporting

Also known as Signior Gratiano

Bassanio's talkative friend who marries Nerissa; often mocks Shylock.

Nerissa

supporting

Portia's lady-in-waiting who disguises as a clerk and marries Gratiano.

Lorenzo

supporting

Also known as young Lorenzo

Jessica's lover who elopes with her and Shylock's ducats.

Jessica

supporting

Also known as fair Jessica, gentle Jessica

Shylock's daughter who elopes with Lorenzo and converts to Christianity.

Launcelot Gobbo

supporting

Also known as young Master Launcelot, honest Launcelot

Shylock's clownish servant who leaves to serve Bassanio.

Salerio

minor

A friend of Antonio and Bassanio who reports shipwrecks.

Salanio

minor

Another friend of Antonio who discusses his misfortunes.

Salarino

minor

A Venetian gentleman and friend of Antonio.

Duke of Venice

minor

Also known as Duke

Presides over the trial of Shylock versus Antonio.

Old Gobbo

minor

Also known as Gobbo

Launcelot's blind father who brings a gift to Bassanio.

Tubal

minor

Also known as good Tubal

A Jewish friend of Shylock who reports Jessica's spending.

Prince of Morocco

minor

Also known as the Moor

A suitor who chooses the gold casket and fails.

Prince of Arragon

minor

Also known as Arragon

A suitor who chooses the silver casket and fails.

Doctor Bellario

minor

Also known as Bellario

A learned lawyer who sends Portia his opinion and robes.

Stephano

minor

A messenger who brings news to Portia in Belmont.

Leonardo

minor

Bassanio's servant sent to prepare for the Belmont trip.

Gaoler

minor

Also known as Shylock Gaoler

The jailer who guards Antonio before the trial.

Balthasar

minor

Portia's servant sent to Bellario with letters.