Themes
Theme: Great wealth does not bring happiness
Characters in Evidence Significance
the text that
illustrate this
theme
Antonio Act I, Scene 1, (line 1)
„In sooth, I know not why I am so
sad‟
Portia Act I Scene 2, (line 1)
„By my troth, Nerissa, my little body
is aweary of this great world‟
Nerissa Act I, Scene 2, (line 5)
„ …they are as sick that surfeit with
too much as they that starve with
nothing‟
General comments on Shakespeare‟s message for the audience:
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Themes
Theme: Self-Interest versus Love
Characters in
the text that Evidence Significance
illustrate this
theme
Shylock
Bassanio
Antonio
Shylock
General comments on Shakespeare‟s message for the audience:
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Characters
Tasks:
1. Briefly describe the role of each character in the play in your workbook.
2. Choose three characters from your list to investigate and write a profile on each
of them. Use the headings below to guide your profile. You may include
additional information.
3. Which character in the play do you believe is the most interesting? Below their
character profile write a brief statement explaining “Why”?
Character profile #1
Name:
Age:
Occupation:
Personality:
Appearance:
Friends/lovers/ enemies:
Audience’s perception of the character:
Character profile #2
Name:
Age:
Occupation:
Personality:
Appearance:
Friends/lovers/ enemies:
Audience’s perception of the character:
Character profile #3
Name:
Age:
Occupation:
Personality:
Appearance:
Friends/lovers/ enemies:
Audience’s perception of the character:
Teacher information sheet 1
Characters
Duke of Venice Ruler who sits as the judge in the trial of Antonio, the
merchant of Venice
Antonio A merchant of Venice who borrows money from Shylock on
behalf of his friend Bassanio. Antonio agrees to pay a pound
of flesh if he defaults on the loan.
Shylock A wealthy Jewish moneylender who seeks revenge for ill
treatment by Christians. Because he is a tragic figure–and
the most compelling character in the play–the drama takes
on overtones of tragedy.
Portia Wealthy heiress wooed by many suitors. Although often
described by Shakespeare interpreters as noble, upright,
and benevolent, a close reading of the play reveals her as a
racist and a snob.
Bassanio Friend of Antonio who loves Portia
Prince of Morocco, Suitors of Portia
Prince of Arragon
Salanio, Salarino, Friends of Antonio and Bassanio
Gratiano, Salerio
Jessica Shylock's daughter
Lorenzo Jessica's suitor
Tubal Lorenzo's Jewish friend
Launcelot Gobbo Clown and Shylock's servant
Old Gobbo Launcelot's father
Leonardo Bassanio's servant
Balthasar, Stephano Portia's servants
Nerissa Portia's maid
Minor characters Magnificoes of Venice, officers of the Court of Justice, gaoler
(jailer), servants of Portia, attendants