# Launcelot Gobbo — The Merchant of Venice character guide

> Launcelot Gobbo in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** young Master Launcelot, honest Launcelot

**First appearance:** 0007-act-ii-scene-ii

## Snapshot

Shylock's lean and hungry servant, who debates his own conscience in the street and talks himself into a better master.

## Who they are

Launcelot works the lowest rung of Venice's social ladder, serving Shylock while dreaming of Bassanio's livelier household. His comic argument with his own conscience over whether to run away turns a small domestic decision into a running joke about hunger, loyalty, and self-interest. He matters because his defection and his clowning thread through the play's middle, lightening its darker bargains while quietly measuring the cost of serving Shylock.

## Relationships

### [Lorenzo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/characters/lorenzo)

_professional_

Launcelot Gobbo serves as Lorenzo's servant after leaving Shylock, providing comic relief and loyalty.

### [Shylock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/characters/shylock)

_professional_

Launcelot Gobbo is Shylock's former servant, leaving his service due to mistreatment and Shylock's miserly nature.

## In the story

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-ii)

Debates leaving Shylock, tricks his blind father, and secures a new position with Bassanio.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iii)

Takes leave of Jessica, receives a ducat and a letter for Lorenzo, and shows emotional reluctance in departing.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iv)

Delivers Jessica's letter to Lorenzo and mentions his new master is a Christian.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-v)

Now serving Bassanio, he hints at the masque and teases Jessica about a Christian suitor.

### [Scene V: A Garden in Belmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-v)

Engages in witty banter with Jessica and Lorenzo, teasing Jessica about her Jewish heritage and making jokes about conversions and pork.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/characters/launcelot_gobbo
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/characters