Antonio, a Venetian merchant, struggles with melancholy. Bassanio needs Antonio's loan to court Portia in Belmont. Antonio's ships are at sea, preventing him from making the loan
Beowulf's loyalty is central to his character development. He owes a family debt to Hrothgar for helping his father Ecgtheow. Beowulf becomes king after refusing Queen Hygd's offer. He passes the kingdom to his loyal thane Wiglaf
Oliver Twist's mother dies in a workhouse after giving birth. He is placed in a private juvenile home for nine years. Oliver is apprenticed to undertaker Sowerberry after representing his suffering