Where would Shakespeare have gotten ideas about how to characterize Shylock?

There is no consensus on this issue, but there are several theories. One is that Shakespeare based Shylock on the character of the Jewish usurer from Christopher Marlowe's play "The Jew of Malta." Another theory is that Shakespeare was influenced by anti-Semitic stereotypes that were prevalent in his time. Finally, some scholars believe that Shakespeare created Shylock as a complex and sympathetic character who challenges these stereotypes.