The Duke of Venice
  The Prince of Morocco, suitor to Portia
  The Prince of Arragon, suitor to Portia
  Antonio, a merchant of Venice
  Bassanio, his friend, suitor likewise to Portia
  Salanio, Salarino, Gratiano, Salerio, friends to Antonio and Bassanio
  Lorenzo, in love with Jessica
  Shylock, a rich Jew
  Tubal, a Jew, his friend
  Launcelot Gobbo, the clown, servant to Shylock
  Old Gobbo, father to Launcelot
  Leonardo, servant to Bassanio
  Balthasar, Stephano, servants to Portia
  Portia, a rich heiress
  Nerissa, her waiting maid
  Jessica, daughter to Shylock
  Magnificoes of Venice, Officers of the Court of Justice, Gaoler, servants to Portia
  Scene: partly at Venice, and partly at Belmont, the seat of Portia, on the Continent