The Shakespeare Book

126

I

n Venice, the merchant

Antonio is sad, but agrees to

help his friend Bassanio raise

the money he needs to woo the

beautiful heiress Portia. In Belmont,

meanwhile, Portia is sad too. By her

father’s will, she must marry the

man who chooses the correct one

of three caskets—gold, silver, and

lead. When Shylock hesitates to

lend Bassanio money, Bassanio

promises Antonio as guarantor.

Shylock sees a chance of revenge

on Antonio, who has previously

mocked him. He stipulates that the

bond be a pound of Antonio’s flesh.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

In Belmont, the Prince of Morocco

arrives to try his luck with Portia.

In Venice, Shylock’s servant Lancelot

decides to leave his master and

serve Bassanio. Shylock’s daughter

Jessica is sad that Lancelot is

leaving and decides to run away.

She gives Lancelot a message

for Lorenzo, who is staying with

Bassanio. Shylock is invited to

dinner with Bassanio, and while

he’s out, Jessica steals his money

and escapes to Belmont disguised

as a boy. In Belmont, the Princes of

Morocco and Aragon fail the casket

test, choosing gold and silver.

DRAMATIS

PERSONAE

Antonio A merchant of

Venice, he guarantees a loan

to his friend Bassanio “with

a pound of my flesh.”

Bassanio Antonio’s friend,

and suitor to Portia.

Leonardo A servant to

Bassanio.

Graziano, Salerio,

Solanio Friends of

Antonio and Bassanio.

Lorenzo Friend of

Antonio and Bassanio,

in love with Jessica.

Shylock A rich Jewish

moneylender, father of Jessica.

Jessica Daughter of Shylock,

in love with Lorenzo.

Tubal A Jew, Shylock’s friend.

Lancelot A clown and servant

to Shylock.

Gobbo Father of Lancelot.

Portia A rich heiress. She

disguises herself as a doctor

of law, “Balthasar,” to save

Antonio’s life.

Nerissa Portia’s maid, in love

with Graziano.

Balthasar, Stefano Portia’s

servants. Later, the names of

Portia and Nerissa in disguise.

Prince of Morocco Suitor

to Portia.

Prince of Aragon Suitor

to Portia.

Duke of Venice He must

uphold Venetian law.

1.3

2.2

1.1

1.2

2.6

The Jew Shylock lends

Bassanio money he

needs to woo Portia but

demands a pound of

Antonio’s flesh as security.

In Venice, Antonio,

a merchant whose

ships are all at sea,

agrees to help his

friend Bassanio.

In Belmont, Portia, a rich

heiress, is depressed by her

suitors, who, by her father’s

will, must choose one of three

caskets to win her hand.

Shylock’s daughter

Jessica runs off

with a Christian,

Lorenzo, and with

Shylock’s money.

The clown

Lancelot Gobbo

decides to leave

Shylock’s service

and joins Bassanio.

Act 1 Act 2