The character of Antonio in The Merchant of VeniceAntonio is a rich merchant from the city of Venice. Although central to the play, Antony is portrayed by Shakespeare as an "outcast". It seems that Antonio is chronically depressed and is not involved in the social climate that thrives in Venice. "Truly, I don't know why I'm so sad: it tires me; you say it tires you; but how I got it. Did I find it, or did I get it, what it's made of, where it came from, I must learn :"1 Along with Shylock, both men appear bitter and have difficulty expressing their emotions. On many occasions friends, such as Salerio and Bassanio, wondered about his sadness, trying to find an explanation for their great unhappiness with themselves and with the world. -Salerio: "But don't tell me: I know that Antonio is sad to think of his merchandise. 2Antonio: "Believe me, no: I thank my fortune for this, my enterprises are not in a trusted fund, nor in one place; nor does all my wealth depend on the fortune of this present year: therefore my merchandise does not sadden me."3 Salanio: "And then you are in love." rejects the prospect that his sadness is linked to his ships or to a lost love . Uninterested in the "world" of suitors and marriage, Antonio remains without his life partner, Bassanio, after going to Belmont to woo Portia .. middle of paper ......rcante was once upon a time his ships returned from the sea loaded with goods. However, the only sadness for Antonio is that he was deprived of the possibility of sacrificing himself as a gesture of loyalty to the nobility. Note1 Merchant of Venice. Act 1, Scene 1. Lines 1-5 - Antonio. 2 Merchant of Venice. Act 1, Scene 1. Lines 39-40 - Salerio.3 Merchant of Venice Act 1, Scene 1. Lines 41-45 - Antonio.4 Merchant of Venice. Act 1, Scene 1. Line 46 - Salanio .5 Merchant of Venice Act 1, Scene 1. Line 47 - Antonio.6 Merchant of Venice 126-133 - Antonio7 Merchant of Venice. Act 3, scene 2. Lines 123-189 - Jessica8 Merchant of Venice. Act 4, scene 1. Lines 280-285 - Bassanio9 Merchant of Venice. Act 4, scene 1. Lines 286-287 - Portia/Doctor of Law