Othello

Main Characters and Their Development

• Othello - the protagonist, a Moor and general in the Venetian army. He is noble, but his trustfulness and jealousy become his weaknesses. At the beginning of the play, he is portrayed as a confident and respected leader, but under Iago's influence, his character changes, becoming suspicious and cruel, leading to tragic outcomes.
• Desdemona - Othello's wife, a young and beautiful woman who sincerely loves her husband. She symbolizes innocence and purity but becomes a victim of Othello's jealousy. Her development in the play shows resilience and devotion despite unjust accusations.
• Iago - the antagonist of the play, an officer in Othello's army. He is deceitful and manipulative, driven by envy and hatred. Iago masterfully weaves plots to ruin Othello's life, and his character remains unchanged in his malevolence throughout the play.
• Cassio - Othello's lieutenant, an honest and kind-hearted man. He becomes a victim of Iago's schemes, who uses him to incite Othello's jealousy. Despite this, Cassio maintains his honor and dignity.
• Emilia - Iago's wife and Desdemona's maid. Her character evolves from a submissive wife to a woman who recognizes Iago's evil and decides to confront him, exposing his deceit.
• Roderigo - in love with Desdemona, a wealthy but naive nobleman. He becomes a pawn in Iago's hands, who uses him in his plans. Roderigo gradually realizes he has been deceived, but this realization comes too late.