Shylock

The way a character gets its reputation is affected by the way the reader and other characters view them, and that perspective can change at any point throughout the storyline. In Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice, Shylock is presented as the most developed character. Shakespeare purposely creates both an antagonist and protagonist in Shylock, by creating a change in view for the reader throughout the play. He can be viewed as a hated Jew that is often referred to as a villain, a devil, and a money obsessed freak, but a sudden change of personality tends to always occur. We first see Shylock as a person who chooses everything over money, but later we find out that there are in fact some things he places above money. In act one scene three, however, the reader’s first impression of Shylock is he is a victim of bullying and anti-Semitism until we later discover Shylock has a different side of him when he demands for flesh.
Shylock makes it clear he has a designated hate for Antonio, but only because he does not respect the anti-Semitism and disrespect Antonio creates towards Shylock. He goes on to say how much he hates Antonio’s behavior. Shylock says, “He hates our sacred nation, and he rails/…/ Cursed be my tribe/ If I forgive him!” (1.3.44-48).

Shylock uses these quotations of his soliloquy as an opportunity to express rejection of ever forgiving the Christians, but particularly Antonio. He continues to explain that Antonio hates the Jews, and uses bitter and offensive language towards Shylock and the members of his religion which Shylock does not respect in any matter.
Throughout the play, Shylock’s character fluctuates on the fine line of villain and victim.
Shylock’s villainy began in the early stages of the play. In the first act, one aspect of Shylock's nature was clearly revealed. In act one scene three Shylock exclaims, “I hate him for he is a Christian;/ But more for that in low simplicity/ He lends out money gratis, and brings down/ The rate of usance here with us in Venice.” In this quote he complains that Antonio, by lending out money for free, brings down the interest rate at which he can lend money. Shylock's greed was especially apparent towards the beginning of the play, and statements like these help illustrate of what Shakespeare’s audience would recognize as the stereotypical Jew. Shylock’s tendency for unreasonable and selfish behavior was demonstrated once again in act one scene three when he states, “Be nominated for an equal pound/ Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken/ In what part of your body pleaseth me.” This quote shows the epitome of Shylock’s evilness. It can be assumed that Shylock intends to seize Antonio’s life from his addition of “In what part of your body pleaseth me.”