In every play there is an antagonist or the villain. The villain's role in the play is to give the story action and a plot, so that the reader can root for the good guy. In William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, the character of the Jewish man Shylock comes off as the villain. However, looking at the play on a more realistic level, Shylock can also be seen as a victim of justice and the society he lives in. The character of Shylock inhabited all the stereotypical qualities that Jewish people endure. He is money hungry, unwilling to accept anything but his own terms, and he is vengeful. At some points in the play the reader does not know whether or not to laugh at him, feel pity or down rite hate him. A cold person who only wants to see his victim suffer is by definition what makes a villain. However, I personally feel that Shylock is more of a victim, because he is human, with human desires even if they are intentional cruel.
             First of all, a binding contract was made between Shylock and the protagonist, Antonio. The price was set, in exchange for a loan. They both agreed to the terms and both understood the conflicts that would occur. However, just because Antonio was the most liked in the city, and Shylock was the most hated, the contract was brought to the light of the law. Shylock was different, because he was not a Christian, so they could place all blame upon him. "He hath disgraced me, and at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies-and what's his reason? I am a Jew." (Shakespeare, pg. 87). Looking at Shylock's punishment, he received the worst penalty that could have been bestowed on him. Worse than death, he was forced to convert and lose all of his possessions and land. I also believe that Shylock was standing up for what he thought was fair. Finally the "Jew" would win for once. Or so he thought. One of th...