Act 1

• 1. Antonio

  • Antonio, a merchant from Venice, is in a melancholic state
  • anxious about his ships that are currently at sea
• 2. Bassanio

  • His friend, Bassanio, confesses to squandering the money he received from Antonio
• 3. Portia

  • Bassanio has his heart set on winning the hand of Portia, a wealthy heiress from Belmont
• 4. Loan

  • In order for Bassanio to fulfil his goal, he asks Antonio for a loan of 3,000 ducats
• 5. Help

  • Despite facing financial difficulties due to his ships being out at sea, Antonio agrees to help
• 6. Proposal

  • Antonio proposes using his name to secure a loan in Venice
• 7. Husband

  • Portia is not allowed to choose her husband
  • has to abide by her father’s wishes
• 8. Caskets

  • The suitor who chooses the correct casket out of the three will win the chance to marry Portia
• 9. Shylock

  • Shylock becomes aware of Bassanio’s appeal and requests a conversation with Antonio
• 10. Bond

  • Shylock suggests a unique loan arrangement whereby Antonio agrees to the bond of a pound of flesh in place of traditional interest