These actions prove that Antonio is mistreated by Shylock, the villain. He mistreats too many people, and then asks for mercy in a court. Shylock is mad for revenge towards all Christians, especially Antonio. He is such a villain that even his daughter and servant are eager to escape him. Villains are oftenly antagonists in story plots and normally are a threat to the main character.
Villains normally have motives behind their evil doings.