In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare creates a dynamic female character, unusual in his collection of plays. Portia, the lovely, wealthy heiress, exemplifies stereotypical feminine qualities but also displays independent and intelligent thinking. Most of Shakespeare's female roles function as static characters designed to further the action of the plot; they are elements of the background against which the male protagonist and the antagonist act. Indeed, in Shakespearean drama, any strong female character generally exhibits masculine qualities. Portia thus serves as an exception to the norm. Her mastery of logic is as astonishing as her beauty, and this depth of character has placed Portia at the center of much literary analysis. Portia represents the ideal and complete woman. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Many aspects of Portia's character reflect the view of Shakespeare's contemporaries that a woman should be obedient and humble. Even though her father is deceased, Portia is committed to obeying his final command. She will not choose a husband for herself; instead, potential suitors must enter a lottery devised by her late father. Each man must choose one of the three chests and the bachelor who opens the chest containing Portia's portrait earns her hand in marriage. Portia laments her inability to decide her own fate, but follows her father's procedure, declaring, "If I live as old as Sibyl, I will die chaste / like Diana unless it be obtained according to the way / of my father's will" (1.2 .116-118). She also shows great humility before her potential husbands. When explaining the commitment each suitor must make, Portia comments, “By these injunctions every one swears / That comes to risk to my worthless self” (2.9.17-18). When the lottery finally produces Bassanio as Portia's husband, she submits completely to him, promising, "[...But now, / This house, these servants, and this very me / Are thine, my lord[. ..]" (3.2 .171-173). Portia displays the qualities of the submissive and humble woman that Shakespeare's society expected of the perfect woman. This dynamic female character also exemplifies the heiress stereotype; only its beauty corresponds to its immense riches. The vast parade of suitors seeking Portia as a wife shows her high desirability. As Bassanio informs Antonio, “In Belmont there is a lady richly left; / And it is beautiful, and more beautiful than that word” (1.1.161-162). He continues: “[… Her sunny curls / Hang at her temples like a golden fleece, / […] And many Jasons come to seek her” (1.1.170-172). Bassanio's speeches about Portia's beauty are extensive. When he encounters his portrait inside the lead casket, he exclaims: "[...] Which demigod / came so close to creation?" (3.2.116-117). Shakespeare depicts Portia as this demigod, idealized and widely sought after by eligible princes and wealthy suitors. These feminine qualities are typical of Shakespeare's female characters; therefore, Portia's peculiarity lies in its depth. Portia not only illustrates clichéd female attributes, but also possesses a keen sense of logic. This intelligence shines at Antonio's trial when she impersonates the Doctor. Portia first attempts to use her mastery of language and persuasion to convince Shylock to exercise mercy. She professes: “The quality of mercy is not forced, / It falls like gentle rain from the sky / On the places below. He is twice blessed: / He blesses him who gives and he who takes” (4.1.184-187). Shylock refuses to.