Minor Characters In Othello

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Shakespeare’s play, Othello, is a play involving many complex characters. However, some characters can be seen as minor characters because they may not seem of much importance to the plot. Although Roderigo is a minor character with few lines, he is still used by Iago to play a crucial role in the downfall of Othello and the play itself.
The theme of jealousy is portrayed through Roderigo, and his jealousy is what creates the downfall of Othello. Roderigo’s jealousy is brought out by Iago, as Iago constantly tricks him into thinking he wants to help him in Desdemona’s heart. These tricks cause Roderigo to see Othello as an opponent for Desdemona’s heart. Roderigo expresses his emotions towards Othello when he states, “What a full fortune does …show more content…
Roderigo is manipulated by Iago throughout the play due to his weak mind and desperate love. He is first manipulated when he is convinced by Iago to stir up trouble with Desdemona’s father. This initial act by Roderigo eventually creates much more chaos later in the play, as Iago intended, by arousing suspicion of Desdemona and Othello’s relationship. Roderigo is fooled again by Iago later in the play, when Iago says, “Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. I have told thee often, and I retell thee again and again, I hate the Moor. My cause is hearted; thine no less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him.” (1.3.346-348). In this quote, Iago convinces Roderigo that his cause is sincere and heart-felt in helping him win Desdemona’s love, and that he will continue to help him as long as he keeps bringing him money. More importantly, however, Iago convinces him to take part in his master plan of bringing down their common enemy, Othello. Roderigo officially becomes a key instrument used by Iago to inflict Othello’s downfall. Iago’s main use of Roderigo as a pawn comes when he carries out his plot to kill Cassio when he
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