Bassanio is a character in William Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice". He is a young Venetian nobleman who is in love with a wealthy heiress named Portia. In order to win her hand in marriage, Bassanio turns to his friend, the merchant Antonio, for a loan. However, Antonio's money is tied up in his ships at sea and he is unable to lend Bassanio the full amount he needs. Instead, he agrees to borrow money from a Jewish moneylender named Shylock, whom Bassanio despises. The play follows the consequences of this decision, including the infamous court trial in which Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh as collateral for the loan. Despite the risks involved, Bassanio ultimately receives the loan from Shylock and is able to win Portia's love and hand in marriage.