Shylock's character is, without a doubt, the most complex in the play. In the first scene of Act 3 he is emotionally torn from his daughter's left and subsequent abandonment. However, it's slightly unclear which he mourns more; the diamonds and gold she stole, or the loss of his daughter herself. He says she wishes she "were dead at [his] foot and the jewels in her ear" (III.I.87). It seems as though Shylock is saying that he would rather have his daughter dead than lose his riches. Shylock is clearly suffering from his daughter's abandonment, and feels betrayed, but he also mentions that the "curse upon [his] nation" has never effected him up until this point. Could that "curse" be the decision of what is more important; riches or blood, or, is it a curse of loyalty, meaning Shylock must condemn Jessica for her lack of it thereof?
Shylock also immediately turns to Antonio in his grief. He demands that he be re-payed, even though Antonio technically hasn't done anything as of late to incur Shylock's wrath. However, since Shylock has probably figured out that Jessica's flight was aided by Christians, it is not surprising that he is taking out his anger on Antonio, who has a history of being anti Semitic. He is also tight for money since Jessica stole a large sum of it, and because he's paying people to go looking for her (and his stolen jewels). One of his men, Tubal, comes in to tell him that Antonio has lost some of his assets. Shylock actually celebrates this, as he can now send someone to arrest Antonio.
In the beginning of the play, Shylock mentions how he would be happy if he could only gain the upper hand on Antonio one time. Will this be that time, and will he be satisfied? He talks about how he wishes to be friends with Antonio, barring all of their respective hate for eachother.
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