The genre of tragedy is known and expected to end in misfortune, and often death, with the most part owing to a villainous character. In Shakespeare's Othello, the villain is the wily Iago, but as cunning and sly as he is, it is questionable whether or not he is held solely responsible for the "success" of his devious plans. Can the other characters in this play also be held partially responsible for their own downfall and/or the downfall of others? I hope to examine this question, and determine whether Iago is the sole culprit in causing chaos, or if he is merely the catalyser and promoter of misfortune.

Primarily, it is unawareness and naivety that blinds some of the characters in this play to the evil schemes of their friend Iago. Many times they merit him as being their trustworthy, honest friend. Othello pronounces, "Iago is most honest" (II, iii, 7), and Desdemona says, "Oh, that's an honest fellow"(III, iii, 4). The characters are oblivious to the unfolding plans of Iago, and yet, they seem to unknowingly aid the events leading up to the final tragedy. Iago's first real success is when he is able to get Cassio drunk and th

One could say that Desdemona's flaw is sheer innocence, and a refusal to believe that Othello would ever be jealous. When Desdemona loses her handkerchief and Othello demands to see it, she seems not to see the seriousness of what he is asking, and lightly changes the subject, to what worse than Cassio! Othello demands, "Fech't, let me see't!", and she replies, "Why, so I can; but I will not now, this is a trick to put me from my suit; pray you let Cassio be received again". (III, iv, 86-89) She also puts Othello into a rage by stating that she would do anything to reconcile Cassio, because of the love she has for him. (IV, i, 33) Through continual talk of Cassio and her naivety towards her husband's emotions, she herself makes it appear that there may be something going on between her and Cassio.

The handkerchief plays a big role in helping along Iago's scheme. First of all, by a stroke of luck and a bit of negligence on the part of Desdemona, the handkerchief is left on the ground. Emilia unknowingly acts on Iago's plans by collecting it and giving it to him. Other than asking him if he will use it "for some purpose of import", she does not question his motives, and accepts his answer that he will "have use for it". (III, iii, 314-318) Then, without any influence from Iago, Cassio gives the handkerchief to Bianca, which later

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Approximate Word count = 909
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)