Question

why do you think that Antonio is presented as a melencholic character?

Answer 1

Answer:

There r several plausible reasons for this.

1st- His melancholy is a kind of glimpse into the future which is full of melancholy for various characters in the story.

2nd- Wise men were shown as pondering and melancholy. This heightened their wisdom for the audience.

3rd- He worries that his friendship with Bassanio is under some unknown threat