Othello - Tragic Hero

When discussing the characteristics of Othello one finds he has more

than one side. Othello is a tragic hero in this drama. Also, he portrays a

man with much greatness. Consequently, Othello has many weaknesses.

In order to truly understand the character of Othello, one must understand

him as a tragic hero with both greatness and weakness.

A tragic hero is the main character in a play that takes a downfall or is

ruined during the play. Undoubtedly, Othello is ruined during the course of

this Shakespearean drama. In the beginning of the play his life is in order, as

he was married to the beautiful Desdemona, the younger daughter of a well

respected Senator, Brabantio. However, Othello was a Moor, and their

marriage was frowned upon. Iago had an evil plot to bring Othello down,

because he was in love with Desdemona when the Moor stole her heart.

Iago causes Othello to turn against his wife, and have jealous rages that

caused her much despair and grief. This is concurrent with the persona of a

tragic hero. In the end, Iago brings Othello down just as he planned. The

reader must realize that without his downfall, Othello couldn’t be considered

tragic, henceforth there would be no moral one could take from the play.

Othello is very characteristic of a tragic hero.

Othello is also a man that shows much greatness throughout the

drama. Throughout his adult life he has been acclaimed for his many

conquests throughout the land. He shows greatness through his love for

Desdemona. For instance, “But that I love the gentle Desdemona, I would

not my unhoused free condition put into circumscription and confine for the

seas’ worth,” Othello said when referring to his affection and true feelings

for Desdemona. Othello was very remarkable when discussing his love for

Desdemona.