who is antonio, and who are the friends he is conversing with?

Antonio is a merchant who has been feeling depressed as of late. He is unsure why he is so melancholy. His friends, Salerio and Solanio, think his worry stems from his ships not having reached port yet. They try to cheer Antonio up but Antonio insists that his ships are not the reason for his sadness.

Antonio is the Merchant Of Venice. He is conversing with Salanio, Salarino and Bassanio who is Antonio's closest friend.