The Merchant of Venice is a play written by Shakespeare sometime between 1596 and 15Despite being classified as a comedy and sharing certain aspects with his other romantic comedies, the play is perhaps more remembered for its dramatic scenes, particularly the trial scene, and is best known for the character of Shylock. ---- Though Shylock is a hateful character, he is also a tormented one himself, so whether he is to be viewed with scorn or sympathy is up to the audience.