Dramatic Terms
The written text of a play, including dialogue and stage directions
Script
This character opens the play by saying he feels sad but doesn’t know why
Antonio
This character chooses the gold casket and fails the test
The Prince of Morocco
What does Shylock mean when he says that “Antonio is a good man”?
Antonio is a good business risk.
This is the person who writes plays
Playwright
What is the missing word from Antonio’s famous lines? "I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano – A ______, where every man must play a part, And mine a sad one."
stage
What are the main details of the plan devised by Portia’s father to determine her future husband?
Suitors must choose between three chests—gold, silver, and lead—and only the one who chooses correctly wins Portia’s hand.
How much money does Bassanio ask to borrow from Shylock?
3,000 ducats
These are the major divisions of a play
Acts
As the play opens, with whom does Antonio discuss his troubles?
Salerio & Solanio
Which of the suitors that have arrived in Belmont does Portia say she could tolerate marrying?
None of them
What are the two primary reasons Shylock says he hates Antonio?
Antonio is a Christian and his Christian business practices hurt Shylock’s business.
Acts are often divided into these smaller sections. What are they called?
Shylock agrees to lend money but demands this unusual collateral
A pound of flesh
How do Nerissa and Portia know Bassanio?
He visited them once and presented himself as a scholar and a soldier.
Who says these words at the end of Act 1, scene 3?
"I don't like it when a villain acts nice."
Bassanio
What kind of play is 'The Merchant of Venice '?
Comedy/Tragicomedy
What does Antonio's willingness to secure a loan for Bassanio, despite his own financial uncertainties, reveal about their friendship?
Antonio values Bassanio's happiness above his own well being.
Who says these words?
"If he offers to play the game and chooses the right box, but then you reject him, you'll be disobeying your father's last wishes."
Nerissa
This is the casket that Bassanio chooses.
Lead casket