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The Merchant of Venice · Character

Old Gobbo

Launcelot's blind father who brings a gift to Bassanio.

minor

Also known as Gobbo

First appearance: Scene II

Old Gobbo shows up with force in Scene II. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Launcelot's blind father, who brings a present for Shylock but is persuaded to give it to Bassanio instead.
In the storyScene IIOpen this moment free
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In Scene II: Launcelot's blind father, who brings a present for Shylock but is persuaded to give it to Bassanio…

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See Old Gobbo in Scene II

Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how Old Gobbo sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

LGLauncelot GobboSHShylockLELeonardoLOLorenzoTUTubalOGOld Gobbo

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Servants, suitors, and jailer
  • Trial and Belmont participants
  • Protagonist

+1 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This scene marks the dramatic climax because it intertwines two emotional peaks: Shylock’s public grief over h…

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In the story

Old Gobbo appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See Old Gobbo in Scene II
See Old Gobbo in Scene II