The merchant of Venice who lends money to Bassanio
Bassanio:
A friend of Antonio and a suitor of Portia.
Portia:
The wealthy heiress whom Bassanio weds
Shylock:
A Jewish moneylender seeking revenge
Lorenzo:
Shylock's daughter married to Antonio's servant.
Jessica:
Shylock's daughter who elopes with Lorenzo
Nerissa:
Portia's waiting gentlewoman and confidan
Gratiano:
Bassanio's friend; married to Nerissa
Duke of Venice: He presides over the trial between Antonio and Shylock.