The Character of Portia in The Merchant of Venice In his Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare wants the reader to admire Portia, arguably the most powerful character in the play. However, it is easy to confuse the word “admiration” with the simple meaning of liking someone's positive virtues. We should like Portia rather for those things that make her a multi-faceted character. While she may seem like an "uneducated girl", she is also devious, manipulative, and powerful. Three examples that effectively display her skill and consequently win our admiration for her occur during the coffin, trial, and ring scenes. One of the reasons Shakespeare wants us to appreciate Portia is because of the respect that radiates from her during the coffin. scene. Respect is clearly demonstrated when she follows the prescription of her father's will, which stipulates that she will be married to whoever can solve the riddle of the caskets and choose the one who has her likeness in it: I can neither choose who nor would I reject who I don't like it, so the will of a living daughter is restrained by the will of a dead father. (I.2.22-24)Portia realizes she has little say in the matter, and nowhere does she mention not following her father's wishes and marrying whoever she wants. Portia's faith in her father is steadfast as she performs the ritual of entertaining the potential suitor again and again. However, that's not to say Portia is fond of her situation, because she clearly isn't. When Morocco fails to choose the correct coffin and leaves upset, she is relieved and exclaims, "A gentle deliverance" (II.7.78). Portia must also be admired for her unwavering love and support for her Bassanio. While…half of the card…completely liberates Antonio (and maybe even Bassanio) and erases Shylock at the same time. Therefore, Portia is a character that Shakespeare intends to be highly admired. She possesses qualities that make her adored by some and envied by others. She is highly skilled in whatever task she undertakes; yet he retains an aura of compassion and a strong sense of commitment. He puts himself on the line for the good of his Bassanio. On the other hand, when she's displeased - or better yet, when something she cares about is threatened - she's ready to wreak havoc to make things better again. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. 1967. Ed. Mercante W. Moelwyn. The new penguin Shakespeare. London: Penguin Books, 1996.- - -. Othello. 1968. Ed. Kenneth Muir. The new penguin Shakespeare. London: Penguin Books, 1996.