It is said that Othello was one of the most perfect Shakespearean plays ever written, with a complex weaving of irony and fate, such that it is named a tragedy. Therefore, the tragedy must have its hero, the fallen one whose flaw brings about a moral that is taken in by all. First off, 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 the play. In the beginning of the play his life is in order, and Othello has control and things seem to be perfect. Othello 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, especially Brabantio, who believed that Othello was using witchcraft and other devilish ways to suede his daughter. Othello shows his strength here as he stands up to Brabantio and speaks his love. Desdemona also shows her love and strength by also standing up to Brabantio and exclaiming love for Othello.
In the dark was hidden Iago, a man under Othello's command who believed he needed revenge on Othello. He had an evil plot to find Othello's flaw and abuse it to make Othello bring himself to defeat. 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 "to justice" 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 many characteristics of greatness and points of high degree. 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 theseas" worth," Othello said when referring to his affection and true feelings for Desdemona.