Minor Characters

Question 1

Salerio & Solanio character summary

Answer 1

Friends to Antonio, Bassaio, Gratiano & Lorenzo. Mainly used as narrative devices for play (limited impact on plot) meaning they communicate important events that happen off stage to audience

Question 2

Solanio quotes: prejudice

Answer 2

“the dog Jew”
Mocks Shy’s outburts: “My daughter, O my ducats, My daughter!”

Question 3

Salerio & Solanio quotes: loyalty

Answer 3

Loyal to A, concerned that A is “so sad” & stays w A as play goes on to comfort him: “the duke aill never grant this forfeiture” reassurance

Question 4

Lancelot Gobbo character summary

Answer 4

Play’s clown character, starts out as Shy’s servant, but later serves Bassanio. Only recurring character who always speaks in prose, sets him apart from others highlighting lower status as servant

Question 5

The Duke character summary

Answer 5

Most influential man in Venice, has power to decide A’s fate in court. He should he impartial but makes it clear hes on A’s side in court: says he feels “sorry” for A and calls Shy an “inhumane wretch” and “the Jew”

Question 6

Tubal character summary

Answer 6

A Jew in Venice: Shylock’s sole friend and confidant.