Portia is a rich lady of Belmont. She is among the best heroines created by Shakespeare. She possesses most virtues in proper moderation. Her faults a her virtues balance each other. We find the following main points in her character:
(1) Her Beauty : Portia possesses not only physical beauty but also beauty of character. She is a goldilocks and her golden locks hang on her temples like a golden fleece. She is renowned for her physical beauty and that is why all ** for her. She possesses beauty of character too in an eminent degree. She is an ideal woman, dutiful, loving and self effacing. She obeys the will of her **** father and does not violate, even a little.
(2) Her Intelligence : Many suitors come to her and she understands their characters immediately. Her intelligence can also be seen from the quickness with which she understands that Bassanio is worried after reading Antonio’* letter. She notes the change of colour on his face and feels that he is so worried because the letter has given him bad news about his friend. Portia does not take anytime in making a plan to save Antonio.
(3) Her Strong Sense of Justice : Portia possesses a strong sense of justice. When Bassanio requests the Duke to break the Law in order to save Antonio’* life, Portia immediately objects that by doing so, the importance and value of the laws of Venice would be destroyed forever.
Her love of justice is also touched with mercy and kindness. Soon after she enters the court, she begs Shylock to have mercy on Antonio. But she fails. Then she puts such arguments and pleads the case so well that Antonio’ life is saved and Shylock equests to show mercy on him. ihus Portia’ character is made up of beauty, the finest of human virtues, great intelligence, determination, force of character, loyalty to her husband and her **** father, etc.
