Othello Tragic Hero

Othello Tragic Hero

Othello is one of the most tragic plays that Shakespeare has written because of the tragic hero Othello. Othello is a good character, but his tragic flaw leads to his eventual misery and downfall. Othello is a noble man with manners to serve the ladies and virtues that a military leader should possess. His valiant personality attracts the people including Desdemona. Not only does he possess great character and courage, but also he has dignity. Another characteristic of Othello is his trustfulness. He is the honest, trustworthy person, so he believes that he can do the same with others. While trusting others very well can be a good characteristic, it is also part of Othello’s tragic flaw that is self-inflicted. It is within his personality that he trusts others easily. Othello does not see the evilness of Iago and his malicious acts. Othello had experience with the military people on the battle field, where trusting others is key. On the battlefield, one puts his life in the hands of others. Iago had a reputation on the battle field that Othello built a trust towards. Since Othello has been a military leader for most of his life, trusting his military friend Iago is a definite thing with no doubt. Othello believes Iago about Desdemona’s unfaithfulness and affair with Cassio. Othello’s gullibility also makes him jealous. Jealously is Othello’s main tragic flaw that leads to his downfall. Jealousy is powerful in Othello because it takes over and makes Othello lose control and it even messes up his mind and good judgment. Othello due to his evil jealousy becomes angry and eventually brings himself to his death. Othello is a strong, noble character, simply the “good guy” of the play. However, his tragic flaws of trustfulness and jealously, bring to his downfall and make him the tragic hero. These flaws were in his control so they were self-inflicted because they were in his personality. However, these flaws went so far that they were beyond his control at a...