Charcter Profiles-Others Flashcards
What is the purpose of Salerio and Salanio?
Salerio and Solanio are friends to Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano and Lorenzo. Their actions have a limited impact on the plot. They are mainly used as narrative devices which means they communicate important events that happen offstage to the audience. They give a brief account of shylocks immediate reaction to Jessica’s betrayal, they discuss a rumour that one of Antonio ships has run aground near England and Salerio travels to Belmont to inform Bassanio of Antonio’s misfortune.
Salerio is perceptive as he is one of the first to hear the rumours about Antonio ships and he understands their implications for Antonio. Solanio is more naive as he thinks the Duke will stop Shylock from harming Antonio.
Both of them are loyal to Antonio, for example they are concerned to why Antonio is “so sad”. As the play progresses Solanio stays with Antonio and comforts him
What is Lancelet’s role?
Lancelet is the play’s clown character. He starts of as a servant to Shylock then later serves Bassanio. He’s the only recurring character who always speaks in prose which sets him apart from the play’s other character’s and it highlights his lower status as a servant.
He doesn’t have many close relationships and the only character he seems to care about is Jessica. He’s visibly sad to leave her and agrees to act as an in between for her and Lorenzo. In spite of his close relationship with Jessica, Lancelet is still an anti-Semitic character. He suggests that only a Christian could make someone as “beautiful” and “sweet” as Jessica.
He’s mischievous as he tricks his blind father into thinking he’s dead and deliberately annoys Lorenzo. Lorenzo often confuses similar sounding words which are another sign of his low status and lack of education and also add humour as the other characters interpret what he said and not what he meant.
Lancelets scenes don’t always contribute to the overall plot, but his character helps the tension to rise and fall instead of constantly keeping the audience in suspense. Dramatic moments lose their impact if they happen in every scene
How does the Duke hold authority in Venice?
He is the most influential man in Venice and has the power to decide Antonio’s fate in court. The Duke should be made impartial but it’s clear that he’s on Antonio’s side. He tells Antonio he’s “sorry” for him and calls Shylock an “inhuman wrench” In spite of his clear preference for Antonio, the Duke won’t bend the law in his favour.Denying Shylock his bond would damage Venice’s reputation for upholding the law. The Duke spares Antonio’s life and his merciful attitudes set him apart from the other Christians. He also doesn’t let rage or anger affect his principles which makes him appear more honourable, which makes him appear as honourable. However, he still agrees to some harsh punishments, like Shylock’s conversion to Christianity at the end of the play.
How is the Prince of Morocco arrogant?
The Prince Of Morocco is a boastful character as he brags to Portia about his good looks and military prowess. He chooses the Gold casket because he sees Portia as a precious “gem” that shouldn’t be placed in anything “worse than Gold”. The scroll in the casket criticises him for basing his opinion on outward appearances and he’s made to look like a fool for having been so confident of success. He isn’t a totally unsympathetic character as he’s gracious in his defeat and doesn’t deserve the prejudice Portia shows to him
Prince of Arogan
He has a short scene to leave an impression on the audience. He’s presented as self-important as he considers himself better than the “barborous multitudes” who choose the Gold casket and instead chooses the silver casket because he feels entitled to Portia. The Prince of Aragon’s disbelief at failing the caskets test shows his arrogance. “How much unlike my hopes and my deservings”. In spite of the outcome of the test, he still believes he deserves to marry Portia.
