Antonio: The Merchant of Venice

  As the protagonist of the Merchant of Venice, as mentioned in the title, Antonio is a well-liked and wealthy Venetian ship merchant. Like Shylock, Antonio's character is also debatable; he could be said to be either noble and loyal, or cruel and weak.
  One of Antonio's best attributes is his willingness to sacrifice all he has for his friends, especially Bassanio, including his wealth, his reputation, even his life, which is shown when he told Bassanio, "My purse, my person, my extremest means, lie all unlock'd to your occasions." Also, he does not blame Bassanio for the consequence of his bond, and even after all the torment he endured, he does not seek any compensation for himself, and instead leaves his share of Shylock's wealth to Lorenzo and Jessica.
  Antonio also shows mercy to Shylock by saying "...To quit the fine for one half of his goods, I am content;". Also, he aided Bassanio in his courtship of Portia, despite knowing that he would probably lose his good friend if Bassanio marries Portia.
  However, Antonio's image of a compassionate person is tainted by his open contempt of all Jews, especially Shylock, labeling him a "misbeliever, cut-throat dog" and insulting his religion due to religious piety. Also, even when he is attempting to borrow money from Shylock, he taunted Shylock by saying that he will "call thee so again, to spit on thee again, to spurn thee too." Also, he damages Shylock's business merely for that he hates Shylock's religion and occupation.
  Despite his strong resentment of Shylock in the earlier scenes, he still try to flatter Shylock in order to get mercy, calling him "good Shylock", exposing his weak nature. Also, Antonio resigns himself to his fate and becomes depressed, unlike Bassanio, like when he says, "I am a tainted wether of the flock, meetest for death:"
  At the end of the day, the crisis that Antonio finds himself in is a result of his overconfidence and his religious hatred, proving himself to be a weak hero that resigns himself easily in the middle of his crisis instead of standing up and fighting to the last man.