Othello
Othello's character during the play is first shown as a hero of war and a man of great pride and courage. The other main characters in the play all form their own opinions of him and as the play continues, his character begins to deteriorate and become less noble. Chronologically through the play Othello's character changes from a flawless military leader, to become a murderer. Also as the play progresses, the other characters in the play change their opinions of Othello which causes the plot to happen the way it did. Throughout the first act of the play, Othello was shown as many different characters depending on who was speaking. Iago complains of Othello's pride and "bombast circumstance" and is angered by the appointment of Cassio, and educated military theoretician of Florence to lieutenant, instead of himself. Although he knows Othello is a proud man, his open and trusting nature in the beginning of the play will be eroded by the conclusion of the plot. As Iago is speaking to Brabantio about Othello, he uses the term "white ewe" to represent Desdemona, and "black ram" when referring to Othello. By using these terms, it shows that he is trying to give a bad impression
The remaining acts of the play continue to show how the characters react to Othello's lifestyle changes. This is blatant disrespect for his wife but she does not sway her love and devotion from him. Brabantio damns Othello and calls him an enchanter, saying that the "tender, fair, and happy" Desdemona was too shy of marriage, which is why she shunned all of the suitors sent to her. She does however feel that she is at the lowest point she could possibly be at and the only way to go is up, because her lover has turned into a "beast. Each of them has a different view of Othello's character and through the duration of the play, many of these ideas change, however Iago and Desdemona are the only main characters that do not change. " This act works as an introduction to the Othello character and shows how other characters react to his presence in different ways. Many of the characters have changed their initial opinions because of Othello's obvious attitude change, but Iago is one of the only characters that has kept the same mindscape, besides Desdemona. After he is found, Othello is taken to Brabantio where he is interrogated on how he possessed Desdemona enough in order to make her run off with him. This entire scene helps to establish Othello as an alert and composed leader. However, as the play progresses through Act 3, Othello talks to Iago telling him that their prior conversation gave him reason to suspect Desdemona's motives. These practices show that he is a good governor and does not wish to arouse hostilities in the city, with an untimely pardon of Cassio. These answers to Iago's persistence show that he is still a character of calmness and dignity, and he still has the self-assurance suitable to command armies of men. Othello continues to disrespect Desdemona by acting as if she was a prostitute, Emilia was her owner, and he was a visiting buyer. Later in this act, Othello offers to explain how he won Desdemona. The conclusion of the play signifies the end of the frustration for many characters.
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