Portia

Portia

(Alan, Lauren, Sean, Katie)

First appearance: Act I Scene II - Speaking with Nerissa about casket/suitor situation

Here we learn of Portia's initial and basic character traits

• We, the readers, become aware Portia is both beautiful and wealthy
• She seems picky, yet intelligent because her critiques of her suitors go beyond just their surfaces. Ex. 1.2.40-46. Also, this lets us realize Portia seems to be very concerned with marriage.
• Portia also seems resentful, due to her late father's wishes, yet dutiful. Ex. 1.2.20-22
• We quickly realize Portia is "sprung" on Bassanio 1.2.100-104

Next appearances: Encounter w/ Morocco and Aragon, Bassanio's arrival/decision

Between these two appearances, we see almost no character development, and Portia seems to be more of a static character

• Portia shows no interest in the men, and still dislikes the suitors which come for her.
• Portia is still highly attracted to Bassanio and is very ecstatic when he arrives in Belmont. She urges him to delay his casket choice so he may spend more time with her, yet he correctly chooses the lead casket, Portia immediately marries Bassanio.

Portia's final appearances: The situation with Antonio's trial

Within these events, we learn portia is more of a complex and dynamic character. We see she is intelligent, a quick thinker, clever, deceptive and manipulative

• Portia immediately gets the fully-formed idea to disguise herself as a male and travel to Venice to defend Antonio
• Portia is able to not only fool everyone into thinking she is a man, but is able to think of a viable defense for Antonio (Shylock can take flesh, but no blood)
• An intriguing observation - Portia is both the cause and cure for Antonio's dilemma
• Later, Portia is able to trick and convince Bassanio to give up his wedding ring

Overall:

Portia initially seems to be a static and simple character who cares only about marriage. However, once she plots and successfully executes her journey to Venice, she reveals herself to be a complex and dynamic character who is intelligent, clever, deceptive, and manipulative. Though it took her until Act IV to reveal more of her character, it is safe to say that Portia is anything but simple and static.