Othello: characters

Othello: Main Characters

Othello

Othello is the Moorish general, esteemed and successful in his military career.
He is married to Desdemona, a union that contradicts societal norms due her race and status.
His trusting nature leads him to believe in Iago’s lies, causing tragic consequences.
Despite his honourable nature, Othello’s character is flawed by jealousy and insecurity, which Iago exploits for his own nefarious purposes.

Iago

Iago is characterised as the villain of the play, manipulative and ruthless in his pursuit to ruin Othello.
He is resentful of Othello’s decision to promote Cassio instead of him, sparking his revenge plan.
Iago’s deception is a key theme, reflecting his manipulative nature and driving the central conflict of the play.
Despite his wicked intentions, Iago’s character is intriguing due to his intelligent and calculating nature.

Desdemona

Desdemona is Othello’s loyal wife and a symbol of purity.
Her unwavering love for Othello lasts until her death, despite Othello’s unfounded accusations of infidelity.
Desdemona is a courageous character, defying her father and society to marry a Moor.
Her death is particularly tragic, as it is the result of misunderstandings and machinations spurred by Iago.

Cassio

Cassio is Othello’s loyal lieutenant, who unknowingly becomes a part of Iago’s plot.
His good looks and charm make him an easy target for Iago to set up as a rival for Othello’s affection.
Cassio’s trust in Iago, like Othello’s, leads to his downfall and near-death.
Despite falling victim to manipulation, Cassio represents honesty and loyalty, juxtaposing Iago’s cunning.

Emilia

Emilia is Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s confidant and maid.
She plays a crucial role in setting Iago’s plan in motion by obtaining Desdemona’s handkerchief, yet is unaware of the purpose it serves in Iago’s plot.
Emilia’s powerful monologue on the inequality of the sexes provides a feminist reading of the play.
She emerges as a hero towards the end for revealing the truth about Iago’s deception.

Narrative Context of the Characters

The interpersonal dynamics and complex characterisation in Othello are a significant focus of study, reflecting themes like love, betrayal, and revenge.
Each character has a crucial role in advancing the plot and their growth, or downfall, mirrors the overall tragic structure of the play.
Understanding the characters’ motivations, their flaws, and their impact on the drama helps in unpacking Othello’s narrative layers and its many thematic explorations.