What defines a villain as such an evil person? What qualities and actions determine whether or not this individual is deserving of the title villain? What is it that distinguishes a villain, from being confused with a tragic hero? These two descriptions are commonly confused and especially in the case of Shylock from the William Shakespeare's play, The Merchant of Venice. The question of which role Shylock falls into can be debated heavily. However, if looked at closely it becomes quite clear that Shylock is the villain, rather than the tragic hero. This is seen by how he treats those individuals around him, where his priorities are and by his choice of faith.
             First, Shylock demonstrates a complete disregard for the feelings of those around him throughout the play. When in contact with the servant Lancelot, Shylock speaks badly of him behind his back when he says, "The patch is kind enough, but a huge feeder, Snail-slow in profit, and he sleeps by day More than the wildcat. Drones hive not with me.. ..His borrowed purse" (2.5.45-50). He believes he can disrespect Lancelot and talk behind his back because he has more money and is from a higher social class. He also displays a lack of respect when handling the loan situation with Antonio, the Venetian merchant. He behaved in a manor befitting a snake rather than a respectable moneylender, when he tricked Antonio into taking a loan that would require "a pound of flesh" if the money was not replenished in an acceptable amount of time. He even proceeded to repeatedly yell, "I will have my bond," or in other words, I will have my blood (3.3). He would show no mercy towards the young Venetian, however this was not the worst. His actions towards Lancelot could be explained by ignorance and his demands of Antonio with greed, but what about the feelings of his daughter as she describes her father, Shylock, as Satan? Shylock mistreated her in a way...