Shylock is a villain...

I do believe that Shylock is characterized as the villain because of his actions in the play. Not only does he make preposterous deals , but he also values money over his own daughter. His deal with Antonio shows the kind of person he truly is. I know that Antonio was crass to him, but his actions don't make him any better. He wants to take the flesh of Antonio, which is basically murdering him. He is taking out his revenge for all the Christians on one man. He is so obsessed with getting revenge that he doesn't even think about what he is doing. Shylock is also taking out his hatred for his daughter on Antonio. He is furious that Jessica took his money and ran off with a Christian. He wants her dead. He uses Antonio to get his revenge on Jessica and Christians. His actions suggest that he doesn't have a kind heart. They also suggest that he is pure evil. The personality and actions of Shylock characterize him to be the villain of The Merchant of Venice.