Bassanio writes a letter to Portia telling her he borrowed money from a friend who in turn borrowed money from an enemy. He then believes himself to be unworthy. Shylock, a money-lender, lends ...

The title itself refers to the merchant ... Portia asks Bassanio for his ring as a gift he replies that he would rather find the most expensive ring in Venice than give away his love token.

Portia enters with Bassanio and a few others. Before Portia's father passed away, he created a challenge for any potential suitor for Portia's hand in mariage. A suitor must pick one of three caskets.

The Merchant of Venice is not exactly William ... He does so to procure regal goodies for his young protégé, Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes, finally breaking free of his usual ponderousness).