shylock is a victim of circumstances but portrayed as villian. Elaborate

Shylock is a complex character. It is too easy to see him as the villain of the play. He does scheme and plot and seem materialistic. he does want revenge and is fine with getting a pound of Antonio's flesh. When Tubal brings him news of his daughter's elopement, he seems more concerned with money than his daughter. he is a shrewd business man who keeps his interest over and above all else. But, he is also a Jew who has been discriminated against in the past. He brings out the hypocrisy of the other characters who would not include him in their social interactions just because of his religion. He is also a victim of his faith and circumstances. His human side becomes visible when he speaks of the turquoise ring given to him by his dead wife, Leah.