Antonio and Bassanio are true friends. Both love each other and are ready to help. Yet each of them has his own characteristics which are given below : Both are sincere and intimate. Antonio is so much sincere for Bassanio that he signs a fatal bond for his friend’s happiness. The bond is to be expired but he does not tell Bassanio lest he should mar his happiness in Belmont. When Bassanio goes to Belmont, he bursts into tears. Bassanio also loves and trusts Antonio. He clearly tells him that he wants money to win the hand to Portia.
Both are Christians and hate the jews. So they do not tolerate Judaism. Antonio finds faults with Shylock for his usuary, abuses him and even spits at him.
Moreover there are some characteristics which one has while another does not have. Antonio is weak hearted. At the expiry of bond, he goes to Shylock and begs him of mercy. Due to this weakness, he is called a Passive hero. Bassanio is extravagant and fortune hunter. Yet he is a cultured man and never uses bad words about Shylock or his religion.
