Merchant of Venice Characters

Question 1

Antonio

Answer 1

• one of the two candidates for the ‘merchant of Venice’Act 1, Scene 1- introduces himself by being in a despondent mood- disingenuous as he would have us believe that he does not know why- his statement that he has ‘much ado’ to know himself is an act of pretence because Antonio is in love with Bassanio- these jibes at Antonio’s sexuality prepares the audience for the moral climate of Venice: first homophobic, then of course racist!

Question 2

Gratiano

Answer 2

• a rough diamond, gregarious & loquacious

Act 1, Scene 1:
- “speaks an infinite deal of nothing”

Question 3

Bassanio

Answer 3

Act 1 Scene 1:- stands accused & indicted of gross profligacy & tactlessness - he asks for money which Antonio does not have - attitude to losses is cavalier