The cast of The Merchant of Venice
The people who make The Merchant of Venice move — what they want, who they love, who they hate, and how each one fits the story. Tap any name to read more.
Portia
Heiress of Belmont; brilliant lawyer disguised as a judge; architect of mercy through law · Young woman (unmarried at play's start)
Shylock
Jewish moneylender and antagonist; a man of principle driven to cruelty by years of contempt · middle-aged or older
Bassanio
A young Venetian gentleman of good birth but depleted fortune, seeking love and wealth · young
Lorenzo
Young Venetian gentleman and romantic lover
Antonio
A melancholy Venetian merchant whose bond of flesh endangers everything · Middle-aged
Gratiano
Witty Venetian gentleman; comic foil to Bassanio; quick-witted but often tactless
Launcelot Gobbo
Comic servant and wit; messenger between worlds
Nerissa
Portia's waiting-gentlewoman and loyal confidante; quick-witted accomplice in both courtship and legal triumph
Jessica
Shylock's daughter; a young woman caught between her father's faith and her love for a Christian · adolescent
Salarino
A Venetian gentleman and friend of Antonio; messenger and observer
Duke of Venice
Chief magistrate of Venice; arbiter of law and mercy
Old Gobbo
Launcelot's blind father; a comic figure whose blindness becomes the occasion for wordplay and domestic humor
Salanio
Venetian friend and gossip; messenger of news
Prince of Morocco
A proud suitor who chooses by appearance and loses · Adult
Tubal
Jewish merchant and Shylock's friend; bearer of news
Salerio
Venetian messenger and Antonio's friend
Hear every line of The Merchant of Venice, narrated.
