He is the romantic lead. His wooing of Portia is the springboard of the action. Antonio's love for Bassanio is the trigger for the conflict over the bond. In some ways he is more of a protagonist that Antonio.
On a certain symbolic level he represents the prodigal son whose loving father forgives him and kills the fatted calf to welcome him home as occurred in the New Testament of the Bible (a story told by Jesus to illustrate forgiveness).
Bassanio represents the Renaissance man, as is usual for the heroes of the plays: Hamlet, Romeo etc. A Renaissance man had it all. He was handsome, gallant and strong, a skilled sword-fighter and brave soldier. He was intelligent, well-educated in many fields and adept at writing poetry. (The link in this paragraph will take you to a description of the ultimate renaissance man, Sir Walter Raleigh)
On the negative side Bassanio has spent all his money and seeks the hand of Portia partly to regain the riches ("In Belmont is a lady richly left") that are his due as a Venetian gentleman. Of course he loves her too! ("And she is fair, fairer than that word/Of wondrous virtues")
Shylock talks scathingly of Bassanio's extravagance and gladly parts with Launcelot Gobbo who he says will "help to waste his borrowed purse."
However, Bassanio has his virtues and is a spokesman for good in the main. Antonio says he is a man of honour when he lends him the money.
He chooses the leaden casket because he realises that the "outer surface" is misleading. He says "The world is still deceived by ornament"
He represents loyalty too and is quick to spring to Antonio's defense when the latter is to be trialled as a debtor. His bond with his friend is so strong that he vows that he would sacrifice all, even his new wife to help his friend.
It is because of this that Portia plays the ring trick on him. Bassanio is very endearing as he protests his innocence.
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