'How does Shakespeare present Shylock to the audience as both a stereotype and a complex character?'

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'How does Shakespeare present Shylock to the audience as both a stereotype and a complex character?'

The merchant of Venice is about a Christian merchant called Antonio; he is well respected and highly thought of. His friend Bassanio needs some ducats and Antonio being the caring friend that he is, lends money from Shylock, a Jewish usurer. Antonio makes it clear to Bassanio that if he can't afford to pay him back, then he doesn't have to.

Shylock has had abuse from Antonio and the other Christians, just because he was a Jewish usurer. Shylock is abused throughout the play for example he was spat on and called names, both examples of physical and verbal abuse. So, when Antonio is in need of money he goes to Shylock, we would've thought Shylock would be reluctant to help Antonio, but Shylock has an ulterior motive. He knew that Antonio had ships at sea and that if those ships sunk, Antonio would have no matter to pay back the loan. Shylock decides that if Antonio doesn't pay back the 3,000 ducats that he lends him in three months, and then he is entitled to one pound for Antonio's flesh.