Antonio is the hero of the play “The Merchant of Venice’. Some of the striking features of his character are given below :
(1) His Melancholy : In the opening scene of the play he tells his friends that he is sad for some unknown reasons. This depression of spirits continues with him through out the whole play..
(2) His Sincere Love for Bassanio :His love for Bassanio is so much sincere that he signs a fatal bond for his friend’* happiness. He does not inform Bassanio until the bond expires lest he should mar his happiness in Belmont. And when Bassanio goes to Belmont he bursts into tears. All this reveals his deep love for Bassanio.
(3) His Kindness : He is also very kind. It is admitted even by Shylock. But it must be admitted that he is kind only to ChristiAnswer :
(4) His Intolerance : Among his weaknesses the first weakness is his intolerance of Judaism. Shylock says that Antonio hates his sacred nation. It is also evident from the mercy he shows to Shylock in the Trial scene.
(5) His Indiscretion : He is also indiscreet. He finds faults with Shylock for his usuary, abuses him and even spits at him.
(6) His Weak Heartedness :It is evident when, at the expiry of bond, he goes to Shylock and begs him of mercy. It rather smacks of ignobility. A hero should not have come down to such a low level.
Thus the above points show that the critics rightly call him a ‘Passive Hero’. or ‘A pigmy of a Shakespearean Hero’.
