Othello as a Tragic Hero in Shakespeare's Play

Study Notes

Othello as a Tragic Hero

Othello is an unusual tragic hero, relatively passive and reactionary, with his actions not driving the plot.
He is known as a man of action, a successful military leader, and eloquent words and valiant actions in battle have given him a reputation.

Othello's Character

Othello wins Desdemona with his stories of adventure and his love is centered on her pity and attention.
He is more acted upon than an actor in the play, and in true tragic form, he can only regain his status as defender of the state by committing suicide.

Iago's Character

Iago is the behind-the-scenes manipulator, declaring "I am NOT what I am" and leaving the audience wondering about his motivations.
He is masterful at assessing a person's strengths and turning them into weaknesses, exploiting Rodrigo's desire for Desdemona and his generosity with money.
He leverages Cassio's desire to please Othello and turns Desdemona's kindness to Cassio against both herself and Othello.
He keys in on Othello's love for Desdemona as the one weak point in Othello's character.

Desdemona's Character

Desdemona begins the play with strength and purpose, falling in love with Othello and acting on her own to elope with him.
She is unwavering in her loyalty to Cassio, but her independent spirit and goodness are used against her by Iago.
Her actions on her deathbed are curious, taking the blame for her own death and meeting her death passively.

Cassio's Character

Michael Cassio has recently been appointed as Othello's second-in-command, opening him up to exploitation by Iago.
He is a flirt who tends to characterize women as Madonna's, and his flaws make him susceptible to Iago's manipulations.

Roderigo's Character

Roderigo is wealthy and foolish, providing a steady flow of income to Iago who has promised to help him woo Desdemona.
His desperation makes him susceptible to Iago's manipulations, and he is eventually convinced to help kill Cassio.
Iago ultimately kills Roderigo.

Othello's Character

Othello is an unusual tragic hero, passive and reactionary, with his actions not driving the plot.
He is a successful military leader, known for eloquent words and valiant actions in battle.
He wins Desdemona with his stories of adventure, and his love is centered on her pity and attention.

Iago's Character

Iago is the behind-the-scenes manipulator, declaring "I am NOT what I am".
He is masterful at assessing a person's strengths and turning them into weaknesses.
He exploits Rodrigo's desire for Desdemona and his generosity with money.
He leverages Cassio's desire to please Othello and turns Desdemona's kindness to Cassio against both herself and Othello.
He keys in on Othello's love for Desdemona as the one weak point in Othello's character.

Desdemona's Character

Desdemona begins the play with strength and purpose, falling in love with Othello and acting on her own to elope with him.
She is unwavering in her loyalty to Cassio.
Her independent spirit and goodness are used against her by Iago.
She takes the blame for her own death and meets her death passively.

Cassio's Character

Michael Cassio has recently been appointed as Othello's second-in-command, opening him up to exploitation by Iago.
He is a flirt who tends to characterize women as Madonna's.
His flaws make him susceptible to Iago's manipulations.

Roderigo's Character

Roderigo is wealthy and foolish, providing a steady flow of income to Iago who has promised to help him woo Desdemona.
His desperation makes him susceptible to Iago's manipulations.
He is eventually convinced to help kill Cassio.
Iago ultimately kills Roderigo.

Description

Explore Othello's character in Shakespeare's play, a tragic hero who is relatively passive and reactionary, driven by his emotions and circumstances. Analyze his relationships and actions throughout the play.