Naive, unsophisticated, proud, and strong-willed, although a short list of characteristics it is broad in meaning, almost a paradox in ways. These are the personality traits that are brought out in the character of Othello throughout the play, "The Tragedy of Othello". However, only a few of these traits would have been apparent if it had not been for the character of Iago. He instigated all of the wrong- doing that occurred by recognizing the weaknesses of Othello and using them against him. Iago was a better judge of character than most, thus he was able to pull off the scheme that he did by playing everyone off of one another to confuse, irritate, and eventually breakdown and drive Othello to self-destruction.
             The strength of Othello's character is shown through his title, given by Venetians, as the Moor. Othello likes to be in control of all situations, such as when Roderigo antagonized the fight between Cassio and Montano; he says:
             My blood begins my safer guides to rule,
             And passion, having my best judgment collied,
             Or do but lift this arm, the best of you
             Shall sink in my rebuke" (II, iii, lines 211-216).
             This also displays the respect that he is given by everyone else. Othello is also very confident of who he is, a great warrior. His confidence allows him to stay calm in situations early in the play, such as when Barbantio comes to kill him. Othello simply says, "Hold your hands, both of you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter" (I, ii, lines 95-8). His calmness is amazing and can only be displayed by those true warriors who have seen and experienced the worst of battles.
             Although the battles that Othello has fought and won have given him strength and courage, they have also allowed him to become naive to the corruptness of those that are closest to him, such as Iago. It is
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