Tragic Characters In Othello

Tragic Characters in Othello "Tragedy as conceived by Shakespeare is concerned with the ruin or the restoration of the soul and of the life of men. In other words its subject is the struggle of good and in evil in the world"� (Dowden 224). In the play Othello by William Shakespeare many elements of conflict between the main characters occur, imagery through skin colour and gifts and jealousy through love are evident throughout the play. One of the main conflicts in the play is between Iago and Othello.

Iago is a fellow soldier to Othello. He considers Othello an outcast because of his skin colour, black. The fact that Iago considers Othello an outcast illuminates the main conflict of the play. Iago's hatred is apparent when he says, "I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter/and the moor are making the beast with two backs"� (1.1.114-115). Iago is announcing Othello has taken the virginity of the beautiful Desdemona whom Iago loves as well.

From the Library of Congress: TITLE: Thos. W. Keen...

English: Photographic full-length portrait of Edwi...

Illustration of Othello and Iago

This becomes apparent when he says, And it is thought abroad that "˜twixt my sheets H'as done my office. I know not if't be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. (2.1.379-382) Moreover he wants the citizens of Venice to turn against the Moor. We learn more of Iago's hatred when he bluntly states how he feels: "I hate the moor"� (1.3.38). Iago is "Clever, confident and in the success of his evil schemes but is at the same time uncomfortable about himself"� (Wilson 49). Thus the conflict of the play is emphasised through Iago's hatred. Another conflict in the play is between the blacks and the whites.

Othello being black and Desdemona being white is one important image throughout the play. Othello is an outcast...