Do you think Shakespeare made Othello's character believable? Explain why Othello, such a smart man, could be so easily fooled by Iago.

Shakespeare's character, Othello, was certainly a believable character. Although he was a man who was a leader, of high military/social standing, he was still just a man. Perhaps when one holds such a high standing within a community or nation, their followers/admirers tend to forget that they are, just as we all are, only human. Othello's mistake was that he unknowingly allowed himself to be influenced by Iago. Manipulation is a very powerful …

…when she realized that there was no defending herself from the tiny, poisonous seed planted by Iago. There was no defense in the eyes of Othello as his wife paid the ultimate price. I wonder how many relationships today have fallen victim to tragedy because of a well-placed comment of doubt or shadow on one's character. In today's extreme number of murder and divorce, I think that Othello and his terrible story are quite believable.