Relation between Portia and Nerissa

Portia

Nerissa

Nerissa is Portia's servant or Lady in Waiting, but they often act as friends.  Nerissa advises and supports Portia, often reminding her about her duty to her dead father, especially when the suitors who want to marry Portia are choosing their caskets. 

Nerissa also joins Portia when she disguises herself as a man in the court room scene at the end.  After this, they play tricks on their husbands - after all, these women are much cleverer than their men.

Their relationship is close although Portia is higher in status.