Although Shakespeare is often praised by critics for his brilliant character portraits and for the beauty of his poetry, he also took great care in forming and developing his plots as well. InMerchant of Venice, the mainplotinvolves a double complication, and there are foursubplotsas well.
First, Antonio’s conflict with Shylock forms the main or basic conflict of the play. TheAntonio vs. Shylock(or man vs. man) conflict also integrates anAntonio vs. Societyconflict (a legal conflict) as well. Shakespeare often commented directly or, more often, indirectly upon the justice system and the numerous acts of injustice that occurred in histime.
Second, Antonio’s lethargic condition, his “want-wit sadness,” forms an internal conflict, a conflict ofAntonio vs. Himself. This condition affects his role in the legal conflict with Shylock, and thus his position as protagonist requires a substitute (namely Portia) to intervene on his behalf.