Bassanio serves as a kind of catalyst throughout The Merchant of Venice, provoking

much of the play’s action. At the beginning, Bassanio is a good-natured but

irresponsible young man who ❗has❗ gotten himself into debt by living beyond his
means. He hopes to get out of debt by marrying a wealthy heiress, but he first
needs to court Portia in the fashion she will expect. Bassanio shows his reckless
nature by banking on this course of action, although he does claim that Portia
seems to have shown a liking for him. While men like Antonio attempt to profit by
making investments in commerce and trade, Bassanio takes his risks in the realm of
love and desire. His confidence is ultimately rewarded since Portia falls in love
with him. Despite his apparent financial impulsiveness, Bassanio chooses shrewdly
when faced with the riddle of the caskets. He is not fooled by the superficial
beauty of the gold and silver caskets, noting that “the world is still deceived
with ornament” (III.ii.76). Bassanio’s success in solving the riddle indicates his
worthiness as a suitor for Portia.

Even though Bassanio exploits his friendship with Antonio by constantly borrowing
his money, Bassanio’s reaction to Antonio’s misfortune reveals the love he has for
his companion. Bassanio has just achieved his heart’s desire by winning Portia’s
hand in marriage, but when he learns that Antonio defaulted on his loan and owes
Shylock a pound of his flesh, Bassanio’s focus immediately shifts to ❗how❗ to help
Antonio, and he hurries back to Venice. He reassures Antonio by saying, “The Jew
shall have my flesh, blood, bones, and all / Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of
blood” (IV.i.113-114). Bassanio ❗remains❗ steadfastly supportive of Antonio
throughout the trial. He also shows his newfound sense of caution by initially
being unwilling to give his ring to ❗Portia❗ while she is disguised as Balthazar.
However, Bassanio proves that he is still somewhat susceptible to social pressure
by ultimately giving in to Antonio’s urging and handing over the ring. By the end
of the play, Bassanio has shown deep care for both Antonio and Portia, but he still
nonetheless derives satisfaction from the wealth he mooches from these characters,
and he seems to manipulate situations to serve his own interests.