The Merchant of Venice is written by Shakespeare, it is one of his most famous comedy in the world. The play talks about the affairs between Bassanio, Portia, Shylock and Antonio.The theme of this play is to extol kindheartedness, friendship and love. And also it reflects the conflicts between the capitalists and usurers at the beginning of the capitalist society. And it expresses the author’s humanist idea on money, law and religion in capitalist society. In this thesis, the author introduces the background of the play firstly. And then the papers will discuss the Antonio, Shylock and Bassanio's characters, and analysis the relationship with Shylock, Antonio and Bassanio.
Key words:The Merchant of Venice,Antonio,Shylock,characters