Antonio is one of the main characters in The Merchant of Venice, a play by William Shakespeare. Antonio and his friend Bassanio ask for a loan so that Bassanio can impress Portia, the woman he loves.

In 1596, in the liberal Venice, Bassanio asks for a large amount to his friend, the merchant Antonio, to travel to ... and the Jew goes to court of Venice claiming the execution of his deal.

Portia arrives to Antonio's trial disguised as Balthazar, a lawyer. Portai has each party stand forth and questions them. Having asked if Antonio acknowledges the contract he made with Shylock and ...