#3 Identify the protagonists and antagonists. Are there any foil characters?
Driving the action with a negative energy, Iago serves as antagonist of the play. Othello is not only the protagonist, but the tragic hero who admits that his downfall: he was "one that loved not wisely but too well; ...one not easily jealous, but, being wrought, perplexed in the extreme" (V.ii. 341-343). The two may also be looked upon as foils due to their differences which contribute to the advancement of their character. For example, Othello, in his easy trust, believes Iago over Desdemona. This illustrates Iago's powers of persuasion and Othello's naive nature. As more of a minor character, Roderigo is a foil of Iago. He displays the control Iago had over the minds and actions of those below him. Iago uses Roderigo for financial gain and help in an attempt to kill Cassio. Through the minor characters, the personalities and motives of Othello and Iago are accentuated.
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