Othello's character in "Othello" is viewed in many different ways. Each character has a different personal view of the Moor. Before anybody finds out about his marriage to Desdemona he is seen to most as a great warrior although he is considered an outsider to the Venetian society. He is a trusted servant.
Before Othello appears in the play the audience only hears of him from Iago and from Iago's point of view. We are led to believe that Othello is proud and disliked man. Iago is very critical of him. However this description is contradicted once Othello himself and the other characters views of him are introduced. In reality he appears to be both respectable and respected as the Moor, and worthy of Desdemona's love. He is well spoken and takes control of many situations that occur in the play.
Brabantio's opinion of Othello is quickly changed once he finds out of the marriage. He did admire Othello for being a good military man, but when he finds out he can only believe that she would do such a thing if she was under a spell, and only did it out of fear. Only out of witchcraft could a young Venetian maiden fall in love with a black man.
"If she in chains of magic were not bound.
Would ever have, t"incur a general mock.
Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom.
Of such a thing as thou? of fear, not to delight".
Racism plays a large part of the opinions of many of the characters. Brabantio does not approve of his daughter loving a black man, and is convinced this could not happen naturally. Iago uses this to play on Brabantio's feelings towards the marriage and to act out his plan. He also uses images of the couple sleeping together to anger Brabantio.
"An old black ram is tupping your white ewe".
To Roderigo, Othello is seen as a rival for Desdemona. Roderigo is jealous, as he was in love with and had planned to court Desdemona before Othello had spoken to her and they had married. He was easily persuaded to tell Brabantio of the two eloping, hoping it would get rid of Othello and give him a chance with Desdemona.
