Contrast of Characters

"To suckle fools and chronicle beer." (II.i.159)
"He speaks home, madam. You may relish him more in the soldier than in the scholar." (II.i.163-164)

     As the story progresses and characters show increased personality and tendencies, the reader gets a glimpse at the contrasting nature of some of the major characters. Because the reader experiences the asides and soliloquies unaware to the other characters, they can fully realize the intrinsic motivations of the main characters, frequently including Iago. Two major foil characters emerge from the dialogue of the second act. Cassio emerges as a an upright man highly conscious of his honor, while Iago, outwardly a moral character, conducts his actions in mischievous and comdemnable ways. Minor charactes like Desdemona and Emilia also contribute to the minor character theme. Characters such as Iago and Desdemona alike certainly advance the plot of the story by fabricating situations that would not regulary occur. Through Iago's rhetoric and urging, Roderigo is convinced to stay the course of Iago's plan and win Desdemona's heart. At the same time, Cassio trusts Iago to keep his honor despite his embarassing show of drunkenness. These minor characters are like pawns, in that they are manipulated by the puppet master-Iago. They also embody many of the themes stated in the previous post. Desdemona prompts Cassio, through her unbeknownst flirtatious responses, to court her more. This advances the theme of intercession in the love affairs of suspect relationships. Similarly, Roderigo prompts Cassio to attack him, further preparing the seeming separation of Othello and Desdemona.