The Merchant of Venice follows Antonio, a merchant, who borrows money from the Jewish moneylender Shylock to help his friend Bassanio court the wealthy heiress Portia. Since Antonio’s wealth is tied up in ships at sea, he agrees to Shylock’s condition: if he cannot repay the loan, Shylock may take a pound of his flesh.

Bassanio wins Portia’s hand by correctly choosing from three caskets, as required by her late father’s will. Meanwhile, Shylock’s daughter, Jessica, elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian, further deepening Shylock’s resentment.

When Antonio’s ships are reported lost, he is unable to repay the debt. Shylock, seeking revenge for past mistreatment by Antonio and the loss of his daughter, demands his pound of flesh in court. Portia, disguised as a male lawyer, argues that Shylock may take his pound of flesh but cannot spill any blood. Trapped by his own bargain, Shylock is forced to relent, convert to Christianity, and forfeit his wealth.

Antonio’s ships are later found safe, and the play ends with joyful reunions, while Shylock is left humiliated. The play explores themes of mercy, justice, prejudice, and the complexities of human relationships.

• Antonio – The titular merchant of Venice. He borrows money from Shylock to help his friend Bassanio, agreeing to the infamous “pound of flesh” bond.

• Shylock – A Jewish moneylender who seeks revenge against Antonio for past mistreatment. He demands a pound of Antonio’s flesh as collateral for a loan but is ultimately defeated in court.

• Bassanio – Antonio’s close friend who borrows money to court Portia. He successfully wins her hand by choosing the correct casket.

• Portia – A wealthy and intelligent heiress. She disguises herself as a male lawyer and outwits Shylock in court, saving Antonio’s life.

• Jessica – Shylock’s daughter, who elopes with Lorenzo and converts to Christianity, further alienating her father.

• Lorenzo – A friend of Bassanio and Antonio, who elopes with Jessica.

• Gratiano – A lively and talkative friend of Bassanio, who marries Nerissa.

• Nerissa – Portia’s witty and loyal maid, who also disguises herself as a man in court and later marries Gratiano.

• Duke of Venice – The ruler who oversees Antonio’s trial but defers judgment to the disguised Portia.

• Prince of Morocco & Prince of Arragon – Suitors to Portia who fail the casket test.

• Salerio & Solanio – Friends of Antonio and Bassanio, who provide commentary on events.

• Tubal – A Jewish friend of Shylock, who informs him of Jessica’s escape.

• Launcelot Gobbo – A clownish servant who leaves Shylock’s service to work for Bassanio, providing comic relief.

• Old Gobbo – Launcelot’s blind father, who briefly appears in a comedic scene.

"The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven,"

Act 1

Bassanio seeks to court the wealthy Portia but lacks funds. His friend Antonio, a Venetian merchant, borrows money from Shylock, agreeing to a bond that allows Shylock to claim a pound of Antonio’s flesh if he cannot repay. Meanwhile, Portia laments the suitors she must entertain due to her father’s casket test.

Act 2

The Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Arragon attempt the casket challenge and fail. Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, elopes with Lorenzo, taking her father’s wealth with her. Shylock is enraged by her betrayal and Antonio's mockery.

Act 3

Bassanio chooses the correct casket and wins Portia’s hand. Meanwhile, Antonio’s ships are reportedly lost, and he is unable to repay Shylock, who insists on his pound of flesh. Shylock delivers his famous "If you prick us, do we not bleed?" speech.

Act 4

In court, Portia, disguised as a male lawyer, argues that Shylock can take Antonio’s flesh but not spill any blood. Shylock is forced to convert to Christianity and surrender his wealth.

Act 5

The play ends at Belmont, where Portia and Nerissa reveal their disguises, and Antonio learns his ships have arrived safely. All rejoice except Shylock, who is left defeated.