Othello (1)

# 3 Identify the protagonist(s) and antagonist(s).  Are there any foil characters?  What dramatic functions are served by the various minor characters? 

"The Moor is of a free and open nature / That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, / And will as tenderly be led by th' nose / As asses are. / I have ’t. It is engendered! Hell and night / Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light."  I.iii.379-384

 In Act I of Othello, it was clear that Iago is the antagonist and Othello is the protagonist.  The play begins with Iago making a plan for revenge.  Iago has the characteristics of an antagonist because he is deceiving and manipulative.  Othello is the protagonist because he is a respected general and he handles himself calmly.  When he was accused of tricking Desdemona into marring him, Othello remained calm and was very civil.  The except above illustrates Iago plotting against Othello.

There are also foil characters in Othello.  Iago and Cassio are foil characters, as are Desdemona and Emilia.  Iago and Cassio have very different views on how to treat women.  Iago does not respect women at all and thinks they should make a home and raise children.  Cassio, on the other hand, respects women and treats them kindly.  He greeted the women with a kiss and showed them respect.  Desdemona and Emilia are also foil characters, which is evident through their actions.  Desdemona is determined, defensive, and not afraid to stand up for herself.  In contrast, Emilia is soft-spoken and does not stand up for herself - she lets Iago put her down.  In addition to these characters, there are other minor characters that help shed light on the actions of Iago and Othello.