# Duke of Venice — The Merchant of Venice character guide

> Duke of Venice in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Duke

**First appearance:** 0022-act-iv-scene-i

## Who they are

Presides over the trial of Shylock versus Antonio.

## In the story

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

Presides over the court, appeals to Shylock for mercy, and welcomes Portia as the learned doctor.

## Links

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