Character Analysis of Othello

Character Analysis of Othello In the play Othello, the character of Othello has certain traits which make him seem naive and unsophisticated compared to many other people. This is why Iago uses him as a scapegoat. Iago told Roderigo, O, sir, content you. I follow him to serve my turn upon him (I, i lines 42-45). Iago is saying, he only follows Othello to a point, and upon reaching it he will not follow him …

…he discovers the hankerchief in the hands of Cassio. He smothers Desdemona with a pillow after she pleaded for her life. After realizing he had been tricked into believing the lies of Iago he couldn't handle the anguish of knowing he had murdered because of jealousy rather than justice. Othello’s character is good and noble, but the manipulation of Iago made Othello change. That change was one of the tragedies represented in this play.