Othello is the main character and protagonist of the tragedy play, “Othello” written by William Shakespeare. A highly respected general in the Venetian army, Othello is not only eloquent but physically powerful. Being Moorish, he is of North African ancestry, and a man of his race rarely holds such a prominent position.
Not surprisingly, he is often treated as an outsider and constantly identified by his racial features. At the start of the play, Iago, who is Othello’s ensign, and Roderigo, while conversing about Othello, refer to him as “the moor,” “an old black ram.” Even his fiancé’s father, Brabantio, although having respect and admiration for him, is convinced that his daughter could not willingly marry Othello and that she would only do so under a spell. Regardless, he commands respect from many citizens and even the Duke and the Senate.
After traveling the world from North Africa, separated from his home and family at an early age, Othello’s life is filled with adventure and danger, including experiencing and escaping slavery. Still, he is able to lead a very successful and reputable life in Venice, exposed to the sophistication, civilization, and sharing in their religion, values, and feelings of patriotism.
However, he still suffers social insecurities due to his race and even his age difference with his wife. This is perhaps one of the factors that makes him convinced that his wife, Desdemona, is unfaithful. These insecurities, coupled with his inexperience in matters of love and marriage, further undermines his confidence, and Iago is able to leverage this to drive Othello into jealousy. Othello already believes Desdemona’s love is too good to be true and sees Cassio as a man she would ideally fall in love with if she were to lose affection for him.
One of Othello’s most notable qualities is his integrity. He believes that people should be honest and transparent, which is why he sees no reason to doubt Iago. He has a profoundly trustworthy nature, but suspicions make him believe he is wrong to trust. The thought of being betrayed is so hurtful that it overcomes him with rage and moves him into a fit, such that he is convinced to murder his wife. Despite how careful he is of his image, he humiliates Desdemona in public and even strikes her.
Othello has a cruel fate. Despite being slow to anger and of good reputation, his insecurities make him very vulnerable. He is obsessed with his pride and emotions and allows it to cloud him, such that he is determined to repay Desdemona for her actions. Regardless, Othello has always held a deep love for Desdemona. In his life of chaos, danger, and despair, Desdemona is the light and angel in his life. He can confide in her about his life and struggles, and she, in turn, can see him through his words. To him, his marriage is the pinnacle of his life. As he smothers her to death, he believes his actions are out of love to save her from herself. When he takes his life, he does so as a punishment deserving of himself.
Othello realizes the error of his ways in his dying words, recognizing that his undoing has resulted from his pursuit of love. He sees that he could have acted with more wisdom instead of being driven to jealousy. However, he does not desire to be remembered as a cruel murderer, reflecting how his reputation still mattered to him.
