# Nerissa — The Merchant of Venice character guide

> Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0003-act-i-scene-ii

## Snapshot

Portia's sharp-tongued waiting-woman, quick to match her mistress in wit and willing to follow her into disguise.

## Who they are

Nerissa shares Portia's confidences and her sense of humor, teasing her about the suitors and trading barbs with Gratiano. When Portia devises a scheme to intervene in Venice, Nerissa dresses as a clerk and stands beside her, proving that the Belmont women act as a pair. Her marriage to Gratiano mirrors her mistress's union, tying the household's fortunes together.

## Relationships

### [Antonio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/characters/antonio)

_social_

Antonio and Nerissa are acquaintances through Portia's circle, with limited direct interaction beyond the courtroom scene.

### [Portia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/characters/portia)

_friendship_

Nerissa is Portia's loyal lady-in-waiting and confidante, sharing a close and supportive bond.

### [Doctor Bellario](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/characters/doctor_bellario)

_professional_

Doctor Bellario corresponds with Nerissa to coordinate the legal disguise and letters for Portia's courtroom intervention.

## In the story

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

Nerissa serves as Portia's confidante, offering philosophical reflections and reminding Portia of Bassanio's worth.

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

Attends Portia during the Prince of Morocco's visit.

### [Scene IX: The Prince of Arragon's Choice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-ix)

Nerissa assists Portia and eagerly anticipates Bassanio's arrival, hoping he will be the successful suitor.

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

Confirms her promise to marry Gratiano, and stands by Portia during the joyful and troubling events.

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

Nerissa is Portia's attendant and confidante, who will accompany her in disguise.

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

Receives Portia's instructions, plots to obtain Gratiano's ring, and agrees to go to Shylock's house.

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

Reveals her role as the doctor's clerk; gives Lorenzo and Jessica the deed of gift from Shylock.

## Links

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