Two character traits of Shylock from William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" are:

1. Shrewdness: Shylock is portrayed as a shrewd and cunning character. He is a skilled

businessman and is known for his astute financial dealings. Shylock's shrewdness is evident
in his interactions with Antonio and his demand for a pound of flesh as collateral for a loan.
He carefully constructs a legal bond that he believes will secure his interests and allow him
to seek revenge on Antonio. Shylock's shrewdness is also seen in his insistence on the letter
of the law, demonstrating his meticulous attention to detail and his desire to exploit legal
loopholes. This trait adds depth to his character and highlights his ability to manipulate
situations to his advantage.

2. Vengefulness: Shylock is driven by a strong sense of vengeance. He has endured

mistreatment and discrimination from the Christian community, which fuels his desire for
revenge. When Antonio defaults on his loan, Shylock seizes the opportunity to exact his
revenge by demanding a pound of Antonio's flesh as payment. His vengeful nature is seen in
his unwavering determination to carry out the bond, despite pleas for mercy from Antonio's
friends. Shylock's thirst for revenge is rooted in his personal experiences of persecution and
his desire to assert his own dignity and power in a society that has marginalized him. This
trait underscores the complexity of his character and the deep-seated emotions that drive
his actions.

It is worth noting that interpretations of Shylock can vary, and different productions or analyses may
emphasize different aspects of his character.