Characters
It is vital that you understand that characters are often used symbolically to express ideas. Shakespeare uses all of his characters to symbolise various ideas prevalent in his society, and the differences between characters reflect contemporary debates. Therefore, it is very useful not only to learn about each character individually but how they compare and contrast to other characters in the play.
It is important to consider the range of strategies used by Shakespeare to create and develop characters within The Merchant of Venice. This includes:
- how characters are established
- how characters are presented:
- physical appearance or suggestions about this
- actions and motives for them
- what they say and think
- how they interact with others
- what others say and think about them
- how far the characters conform to or subvert stereotypes