In 1814, Kean presented a Shylock with a new appearance that highlighted the different emphasis in the character. Kean sought to work against the almost mythical portrait of Jew as fiend. Instead, Kean sought to emphasize the underlying humanity of Shylock. Kean introduced a black wig and beard, and a significantly more contemporary garb for Shylock, in order to make him more palatable to audience. But Kean maintained a high energy Shylock who railed and shouted through his part. For Kean, Shylock was a persecuted martyr who, through the forces of circumstance, finally becomes an avenger.

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