Lancelet (also spelled Lancelot or Launcelot in some editions) is a stereo- typical comic character in this play. When we are first introduced to him, he is employed by Shylock, but is planning on quitting. He follows through with this and with his father by his side, he finds employment at Bassanio’s residence. He acts as a catalyst for many of the major events in the play, the most prominent of which is the fact that he delivers the letter that helps Jessica run away from her father. Unfortunately, he is often the butt of the joke and with his variety of malapropisms we are invited to laugh at him, rather than with him. Thus, though he suffers no significant hardship during the play, he is still a tragic character.
