Antonio is a rich merchant and the loyal friend of Bassanio, and the one who took a loan from Shylock.

He is described as having a rather melancholy disposition, but there are no specific physical characteristics mentioned in the play.

His traits lay more in his personality, as he is a somber and contemplative character, but also a fiercely loyal friend that would do anything for Bassanio

At the beginning of the play, he takes a loan out from Shylock the Jew, who threatened to slice off one pound of his flesh if he were to fail in paying it back. Later on, we learn that one of the ships intended to repay Shylock have sank in the ocean.

Bassanio is the close friend of Antonio and suitor to Portia.

He is described as a young, charming, and well-dressed merchant.

He values appearance and presenting himself as someone suitable to marry an heiress. His traits are refined and he has an attractive demeanor, but his main trait is that he often blows through his money.

In the beginning of the play, Bassanio talks about his plan to make all his money back that he had spent away. In support of this, Antonio takes out a loan to be able to pay for Bassanio's attire, and so that he can impress Portia to win her hand and her wealth.

The party animal of the group, said to rather party than sit at home and be sad

Depicted as the character that tries to cheer everyone up with they are struggling

Quick witted and even rowdy

Loud, noisy, energetic

(in regards to connections, he's friends with all the men in Antonio's group)

Wealthy jew living in Venice with his daughter Jessica

Not ashamed of his religion even if he is made fun of for it

Portrayed as a controlling father, who tries to control every aspect of his daughter's life

Greedy, seems to only care about his money

Grey hair and a beard

Ruthless - willing to murder Antonio for revenge

Portia is a rich heiress in Belmont, near Venice. Throughout the story, several suitors from around the world try to win her hand.

Portia is described as having a light complexion and incredibly beautiful features.

Her character traits show that she is clever, wise, and confident.

Before passing away, Portia's father made it so that if anyone wanted to marry her, they had to choose from three chests, one of which holds her portrait. So far, none of the men have succeeded.

Independent

Wise and fair

Dresses up as a male servant to escape her father's house

Intelligent

Lorenzo love interest

Love interest of Jessica and friend of Antonio

Described as a "handsome rascal", has a neatly trimmed beard, and broad shoulders.

loving (towards Jessica), great appreciation for music, nice guy

After falling in love with Shylock's daughter, Lorenzo decides to elope with Jessica, stealing Shylock's money in the process.

Portia's lady-in-waiting

Portia talks to about everything

With Portia through the suitor competition

Very loyal and devoted to Portia

First suitor of Portia

Dark skinned, well built

Courageous, warrior, proud of his complexion

The Prince of Morocco was the first man to seek Portia's hand, but failed after choosing the wrong chest.

Servant for Shylock

Decides to be Bassanio's servant instead

Fool/clown character

Felt mistreated by Shylock

Witty member of the lower class

Old Gobbo's son

Second suitor of Portia

A Spanish nobleman, well dressed

Arrogant and self-centered

The Prince of Arragon was the second to try for Portia's hand, but failed after choosing the silver chest.

Lancelet's father

Gobbo in italian means "hunchbacked"

Fully blind

Portrayed as uneducated and poor

Came to get Lancelet and tell he should no longer be Shylock's servant.