In many plays there are two types of characters, good and evil. Then there are those few who could be on either side of the fence. The character could have both good and evil aspects, creating a complex personality. In The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare, there is a prime example of one of those characters. Shylock could probably one of the most controversial characters ever created. Some people believe he is villainous, while others say he is a victim. Three reasons why Shylock is a victim are the acts of persecution, bias statements, and the treatment received from Antonio.

Shylock was a victim of heavy persecution. During that time period, Christians hated Jews. Constantly people insulted him, making him feel like he was not a real-human being. "Hath not a Jew hands...if you poison us, do we not die"" (III.1.54-62). One could believe that...