Portia is a female character and protagonist in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. In creating her character Shakespeare drew from the historical figure of Porcia, the daughter of Cato the Younger, as well as several parts of the Bible. Portia is fond of proverbs, frequently quoting them, which was considered a sign of wisdom and sharp wit in the Elizabethan era. It has been suggested that the character of Portia was based on Queen Elizabeth, who was reigning at the time the play was written.