The Merchant of Venice | Teaching Key Figures

Character Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major characters in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Characters

Antonio - This character is a merchant of Venice who takes out a loan, promising a pound of flesh if he cannot repay.

Arragon (The Prince of Arragon) - This character is the second suitor to try for a great lady's hand. After he is refused, he chooses the silver casket and wins a fool's head.

Attendants - These characters follow nobility and serve them in their needs.

Balthazar - This character is a servant who delivers a letter of great importance for his mistress.

Bassanio - This character is a young spendthrift...
(read more)