Shakespeare/Othello/Character and characterisation

Character contrast
Complete these activities to develop your understanding of how the character of Othello is developed.

Dialogue
How is Othello's character revealed through this dialogue? Include both what he himself says, but also what others say about him.

Iago
Why is Iago the Villain?

Attitudes to Women:

Task: Construct a table to display the following:

Find examples of situations where Othello and Iago refer to women in the following ways:

Cassio
'''How does a minor character add to, or develop our understanding of Othello? (Cassio)'''

Othello’s words reflect his power, skills and experience. Even his warnings to others are almost poetic. Whereas Cassio speaks clumsily of “beating” and “knocking”, Othello is metaphorical and euphemistic, talking of “sinking” in rebuke, and holding your soul “light,” instead of openly threatening people with death. Cassio acts as a contrast to Othello, and shows us just how powerful he really is.