Othello Blog 1- Characterizing!

Love, hate, jealousy, and revenge are only a few of the topics springing up in Act II of William Shakespeare's Othello, the Moor of Venice. Iago is already developing as the story's antagonist. We see an example of this when Iago goes from telling Brabantio about his daughter's marriage to warning Othello of Brabantio's wrath that was building up. Then we see Othello- the up and coming protagonist. Honest, noble, and dutiful Othello keeps himself calm and collected even when he is being discriminated against and Brabantio continuously makes accusations against him. Othello knows that his love of his new wife is genuine and never tries to hide it. He says, "Let her speak of me before her father." (Shakespeare, I.ii.116). Trusting Desdemona, he is even willing to give up his life should he be wrong about her wishes and love for him. Other minor characters like Roderigo and the Duke while smaller roles, still do have great importance. Roderigo is simply a pawn in the game Iago is playing, and I am curious to see how that plays out. Also, the Duke is sure to be an important character as he is the one sticking his neck out for Othello- he knows that he is a good man and commander.