Antonio, the Merchant of Venice, gives 3000 ducats to his friend Bassanio that he may pursue the hand of the wealthy and beautiful Portia of Belmont. Since Antonio’s money is tied up in business that depends on the safe return of his ships from sea, they borrow the money from Shylock the Jew, who they have previously insulted for charging interest.

Shylock proposes a deed that instead of interest, if Antonio were not to repay the loan within three months, Shylock would have the right to a pound of Antonio’s flesh.
To gain Portia’s hand, her suitors must choose the correct casket among three (gold, silver and lead). The Princes of Morocco and Arragon fail, but Bassanio succeeds by choosing correctly. News arrives that Antonio’s ships have been lost and he is unable to pay his debt to Shylock, who is demanding his pound of flesh. Bassanio rushes back to Venice to pay the Jew and save his friend.

However, unbeknown to him, Portia has disguised herself as a young lawyer to adjudicate the dispute in court. She resolves that Shylock is entitled to his pound of flesh but may not spill any of Antonio’s blood; moreover she then pronounces that the Jew should forfeit his life for having conspired against the life of a Christian. The judge only pardons Shylock on condition that he gives half his wealth to Antonio and half to the state. Antonio refuses his portion on condition that Shylock converts to Christianity and leaves his property to his daughter Jessica, who had run away with her Christian lover Lorenzo.

There is trouble for Bassanio as it is revealed he gave his new wife’s keepsake to the Lawyer. Finally there is good news about Antonio’s ships.