Dramatis Personae

Antonio - a merchant from Venice;

Bassanio � Antonio's friend, in love with Portia;

Gratiano, Salanio, Salarino, Salerio � friends of Antonio and Bassanio;

Lorenzo � friend of Antonio and Bassanio, in love with Jessica;

Portia � a rich heiress

Nerissa � Portia's waiting-maid

Balthazar � a servant of Portia

Stephano � a servant of Portia

Shylock� a rich Jew, father of Jessica

Tubal � a Jew; Shylock's friend

Jessica � daughter of Shylock, in love with Lorenzo; Jewess,

Launcelot Gobbo � a foolish man in the service of Shylock

Old Gobbo � father of Launcelot

Leonardo - servant to Bassanio

Duke of Venice - Venetian authority who presides over the case of Shylock's bond

Prince of Morocco � suitor to Portia

Prince of Aragon � suitor to Portia

Minor Characters: Magnificoes of Venice, officers of the Court of Justice, Gaoler, servants to Portia, and other Attendants