Portia is the heroine of William Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice. She is a wealthy heiress who disguises herself as a lawyer in order to save her beloved Antonio from Shylock's demand for a pound of flesh. Portia is a strong-willed and intelligent woman who is determined to help Antonio, even though she is not allowed to do so because of her gender. She is a symbol of justice and mercy, and her courage and wit are admired by all.