Shakespeare's Othello
Themes
Characters
Context
Literary Info
Othello
Iago
Desdemona
Rodrigo
Cassio
Iago's puppet, used to rile up Othello and convince him of Desdemona's infidelity
One of the main characters of the story
Tragic victim of the story
Seen as a drunk and party centred character
Has highly sexist undertones, seen with his treatment of Bianca (his mistress) and inappropriate flirtation with Desdemona
Igao believes that Cassio slept with Emilia (and this convinces him that he would be perfect as his puppet being a believable home-wrecker)
Iago's is highly jealous of Cassio, and his anger over Cassio's promotion is one of the main motivation for the events of the play
Side character
Othello's wife, who is accused on infidelity with Cassio which is false
Maintains her innocence up till her death
Personality changes through the story. She starts of headstrong, demanding to go to Cyprus with Othello, however towards the end, she has become trapped by her own choices and is highly submissive, even going so far as accepting her death
Fairly unimportant except for his wealth
Manipluated by Iago. Iago promises to let him 'have' Desdamona (sexism) after Othello is dead.
Believes that buying gifts/giving money to Desdemona will win her heart (false)
Easily manipulated and submissive to Iago
Harbours racial hatred towards Othelllo
Master manipulator and villain of the story. Almost every character is successfully manipulated by Iago
Hatches a plot against Othello due to jealousy and racial hatred
Plays on people's fears in order to make them act out
Protagonist who fits the archetype of the tragic hero
A black man (a moor) living in the traditional society of Venice and involved in an interracial relationship with Desdemona (a white woman of good status)
An army general and quite a respected and well spoken man.
An important character as he can either been interpreted as subverting black stereotypes or perpetuating them due to his switch to aggression at the end.
Emila
Iaog's wife and Desdemona's maid
Gives Iago Desdemona's handkerchief
Betrays her husband at the end of the play, revealing his plan to the rest of the characters. It was unusual for women to be so outspoken and stand up for herself against her husband at the time
betrayal/trust
gender
race
appearance
jealousy
good/evil
Very submissive throughout the duration of the play, submitting to Iago's demands and only 'letting loose' in the compony of Desdemona, implying she feels more comfortable around women.
Othello trusts Iago with his various evidences in proving Desdemona has cheated on him.
Emilia girl boss XD