The Merchant Of Venice

Antonio is a wealthy merchant in the city of Venice. Although central to the play, Antonio is portrayed by Shakespeare as an 'outcast'. It seems that Antonio is chronically depressed and is not involved in the social atmosphere that is thriving in Venice. - "In sooth, I know not why I am so sad: It wearies me; you say it wearies you; But how I caught it. Found it, or came by it, What stuff …

…that Shylock becomes a Christian. These events gave Antonio a new view of life. The final revelation in Antonio's character is seen. From the 'suicidal' man filled with sadness and sorrow Antonio is reformed into the successful merchant he once was when his ships returned from sea laden with goods. However, the only sadness for Antonio is that he has been deprived of the chance to sacrifice himself as a gesture of his true nobility.