1. Antonio: A wealthy merchant and the title character of the play. He is known for his generosity and kindness, but is also burdened by debts.
2. Bassanio: Antonio's friend and a nobleman from Venice. He asks Antonio for a loan to pursue Portia, a wealthy heiress from Belmont.
3. Portia: A beautiful, intelligent, and wealthy heiress from Belmont. She is the main female character in the play and sought after by many suitors.
4. Nerissa: Portia's witty and loyal lady-in-waiting. She assists Portia throughout the play.
5. Shylock: A Jewish moneylender and antagonist of the play. He loans money to Antonio but demands a pound of flesh if the loan is not repaid on time.
6. Jessica: Shylock's daughter who elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian gentleman from Venice.
7. Lorenzo: A young Venetian gentleman and Bassanio's friend. He falls in love with Jessica and helps her escape from Shylock's house.
8. Gratiano: Bassanio's other friend and Antonio's relative. He is known for his jovial and talkative nature.
9. Duke of Venice: The ruler of Venice who presides over the trial between Antonio and Shylock.