Downfall Of A Hero In Shakespeare's Othello

The Downfall of a Hero in William Shakespeare’s Othello Every author has a certain way of developing the main character as the story progresses. To William Shakespeare, author of Othello, insecurity and jealousy act as vital tools in developing the personality of the main character, Othello. Shakespeare uses Othello’s curiosity, to plant doubt. Othello shifts into a man troubled by insecurity. Jealousy replaces Othello’s insecurity, putting him out of touch with reality. Shakespeare uses a combination of insecurity and jealousy as a spark to develop Othello’s character from that of a bold figure into a killer on the edge of insanity. Iago is considered the antagonist of Othello. He plants jealousy into Othello’s mind leading to an end to his marriage and his life. …show more content…
Emilia chooses to carelessly obey Iago throughout the majority of the play, be selectively silent when her knowledge is crucial, and believe that Othello and Desdemona’s marriage is ruined rather than seek out the truth.
Shakespeare takes advantage of Othello’s curiosity by creating doubt in his head, leading him to question those surrounding him. In order for Shakespeare to successfully adjust Othello’s personality using insecurity, he needs something for Othello to desire in order to plant the first seed of doubt and what better place than his curiosity for the truth. In response to Iago’s series of questions Othello asks, “Indeed? Ay, indeed. Discern’st thou aught in that?/Is he not honest?” (III.iii.101-102). Othello becomes intrigued by Iago’s series of incomplete responses; they raise more