The Merchant of Venice: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in The Merchant of Venice, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- BassanioBassanio seeks Antonio's financial help to pursue the wealthy Portia.First seen in scene 1
- PortiaPortia is a wealthy woman whom Bassanio hopes to court with Antonio's financial help.First seen in scene 1
- GratianoGratiano is Antonio's friend who urges him to laugh rather than remain sad.First seen in scene 1
- LorenzoLorenzo arrives with Bassanio and Gratiano while Antonio's friends discuss his sadness.First seen in scene 1
- SalarinoSalarino is one of Antonio's friends who leave when Bassanio, Lorenzo, and Gratiano arrive.First seen in scene 1
- SolanioSolanio is one of Antonio's friends present during the discussion of his unexplained sadness.First seen in scene 1
- NerissaNerissa discusses Portia's suitors with her and defends her father's marriage test.First seen in scene 2
- Prince of MoroccoThe Prince of Morocco is another marriage candidate whose announced arrival does not please Portia.First seen in scene 2
- Launcelet GobboLauncelet Gobbo leaves Shylock's service and gains a position with Bassanio through his father's help.First seen in scene 5
- JessicaJessica is unhappy in her father's house and hopes to become a Christian and marry Lorenzo.First seen in scene 6
- Prince of ArragonThe Prince of Arragon is a suitor who chooses silver because he believes he deserves Portia.First seen in scene 12
- TubalTubal brings Shylock news of his daughter's spending and a lost keepsake.First seen in scene 13
- Scene 1
Antonio offers his credit so Bassanio can borrow money to pursue Portia.
- Scene 2
Portia complains that her father's chest test prevents her from freely choosing a husband.
- Scene 3
Antonio accepts Shylock's loan agreement, which demands his flesh if the debt goes unpaid.
- Scene 4
The Prince of Morocco agrees to attempt the chest test after hearing the penalty for failure.
- Scene 5
Launcelet gains employment with Bassanio, who also agrees to take Gratiano to Belmont.
- Scene 6
Jessica gives Launcelet a secret letter for Lorenzo and hopes to marry him.
- Scene 7
Lorenzo receives Jessica's escape plan and sends her a private promise of support.
- Scene 8
Shylock orders Jessica to secure the house and avoid watching the masked parade.
- Scene 9
Jessica leaves her father's house with Lorenzo, wearing boys' clothes and bringing a chest and gold.
- Scene 10
The Prince of Morocco chooses the gold chest, finds a skull, and loses his chance to marry Portia.
- Scene 11
Salarino and Solanio discuss Jessica's escape, her father's anger, and a wreck that raises fears for Antonio.
- Scene 12
The Prince of Arragon chooses silver, finds a fool's portrait, and leaves under his oath.
- Scene 13
Shylock insists on revenge through the bond as reports arrive of Antonio's losses and Jessica's spending.
- Scene 14
Bassanio wins Portia by choosing lead, but Antonio's letter interrupts their happiness.
- Scene 15
Shylock refuses Antonio's appeals, and Antonio explains why the Duke cannot override the law.
- Scene 16
Portia leaves Lorenzo in charge of her household and arranges disguises for herself and Nerissa.
- Scene 17
Launcelet questions Jessica's salvation, and Jessica answers that her husband makes her a Christian.
- Scene 18
Disguised as a legal scholar, Portia saves Antonio by forbidding Shylock to shed blood while taking flesh.
- Scene 19
Portia accepts Bassanio's ring from Gratiano, and Nerissa decides to seek her husband's ring too.
- Scene 20
Portia and Nerissa reveal their disguises, Antonio learns three ships are safe, and Lorenzo and Jessica receive an inheritance deed.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- VeniceVenice is where Antonio offers his credit so Bassanio can borrow money.First seen in scene 1
- Shylock’s HouseJessica's unhappy home is where she gives Launcelet a secret letter for Lorenzo.First seen in scene 6
- PaduaPadua is where Portia sends Balthazar to collect papers and clothes from Doctor Bellario.First seen in scene 16
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