Characters Othello


As the tragic hero of the play, the character of Othello illustrates the destructive potential of human weakness. Othello’s descent from a much-loved general to a monster plagued by jealous fantasies is a fascinating psychological journey.


Respected as a Leader At the start of the play, Othello enjoys the respect and admiration of those around him. He is recognised for his military prowess and is trusted by the Venetian senate to command the defence forces in Cyprus. Even Iago admits Othello’s talent as a military leader: ‘Another of his fathom they have none / To lead their business’ (Act 1, Sc 1). Many characters testify to Othello’s brilliance as a military leader, describing him as ‘valiant’ throughout the play: ‘valiant Othello’ (Act 1, Sc 3), ‘the valiant Moor’ (Act 1, Sc 3), ‘valiant general’ (Act 2, Sc 2). When Montano is replaced by Othello as the governor of Cyprus, he is pleased to have such a


capable leader as ‘brave Othello’: ‘I have served him, and the man commands / Like a full soldier’ (Act 2, Sc1). Roderigo and Iago try to spark a riot on the night of Othello and Desdemona’s wedding.


Montano tries to keep the peace but is drawn into a fight with Cassio. In contrast, Othello readily asserts his authority and commandingly restores order. However, as the play progresses Othello becomes increasingly influenced by Iago’s suggestions and starts to lose the admiration of those around him.


Excessively Proud Othello is flawed by his excessive pride. His vision of himself as a romantic heroic figure is pointed to in the first act. While explaining how he won the heart of Desdemona, Othello boasts of his adventures and speaks of them in a romantic manner: ‘From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes, That I have passed.


…I spake of most disastrous chances, Of moving accidents by flood and field Of hair-breadth scapes i’ the imminent deadly breach, Of being taken by the insolent foe And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence And with it all my travels’ history: Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle,


Rough quarries, rocks and hills whose heads touch heaven …And of the Cannibals that each other eat, The Anthropophagi and men whose heads Do grow beneath their shoulders’ (Act 1, Sc 3).


He proudly explains that it was his status as an adventurer that seduced Desdemona: ‘She loved me 178


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