A wealthy heiress living in Belmont, bound by her father's will to marry according to a casket selection test. She is known for her intelligence and plays a pivotal role in the trial.

A Venetian nobleman who seeks to marry Portia and borrows money from Antonio to finance his pursuit. His friendship with Antonio is a key element of his character.

A Venetian merchant who borrows money from Shylock to help his friend Bassanio, becoming embroiled in a legal and personal conflict. His actions and biases influence much of the play's tension.

Shylock’s daughter who seeks freedom from her father's household. She leaves home to marry Lorenzo and convert to Christianity.

A friend of Bassanio who helps Jessica escape from her father's home and marries her. He represents a nontransactional approach to relationships compared to others in the play.

A friend of Bassanio known for his lively personality, who accompanies him to Belmont and becomes involved in the subplot of marriage to Nerissa.

Portia’s waiting maid who assists her in her schemes and later marries Gratiano. She plays a supportive role in the unfolding of the play's major events.