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Importance Of Minor Characters In Othello

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Even though it may not be obvious, minor characters are vital in story writing because they further the plot by working through main characters. This is the case of the character Bianca in Shakespeare’s Othello. Bianca is significant in Othello because she is used by Iago to convince Othello that his wife is unfaithful, moves the plot along by being in possession of Desdemona’s handkerchief, and reflects the theme of jealousy displayed by Othello’s character. Bianca’s role in Othello seems insignificant at first as she appears to be no more than Cassio’s prostitute on the island of Cyprus, however, Iago uses Bianca through his conversation with Cassio about their relationship to anger Othello. Iago tells Othello that he will get Cassio to talk about Desdemona while Othello hides. However, Iago actually jokes with Cassio about his prostitute Bianca because he knows that Cassio will laugh, which will infuriate Othello thinking Cassio is laughing about Desdemona. Iago jokes to Cassio saying, “I never knew a woman love man so,” and, “She gives out that you shall marry her. Do you intend it?” (IV.i.109, 114-115). Iago brings up Bianca in order to get Cassio to react in a joking manner for Othello to observe, and his plan is successful. …show more content…

Jealousy is one other major tool in Iago’s plot to ruin Othello’s marriage. Bianca confronts Cassio saying, “This is some minx’s token, and I must take out the work? There! Give it your hobby-horse,” acting jealous thinking Cassio was in love with another woman (IV.i.144-146). Being provided with evidence of unfaithfulness, jealousy interferes and brings harm to both Bianca and Othello’s relationships. Bianca’s jealousy and assumptions are similar to Othello’s which further highlights the impacts of jealousy in the

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With regard to the play's plot, Bianca functions to call Cassio's credibility into question. Though Cassio is relatively respectful to Bianca, he doesn't take her seriously. Cassio laughs about how much the woman loves him, how desperate she is, and how easily beguiled she has been by his false intentions of marriage. Iago has also referred to her as a prostitute, "A house wife that by selling her desires, Buys herself bread and clothes"(IV.i.97). Shakespeare further elaborates their dismissive speech over Bianca to arouse Othello’s suspicion into conviction that Desdemona is having a love affair.

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Othello starts to believe Iago’s lies about his friends and wife, leading Othello to change his behavior towards his closest allies. Iago instigates a fight between Cassio and Montano, and Othello must take charge of his soldiers, he says: Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee But never more be officer of mine. (2.3.210-213) Othello makes the decision to fire Cassio, and things get worse when Iago makes his wife, Emilia, steal Desdemona 's handkerchief.

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Iago also manipulates Othello with jealousy. When Othello is gone at war, Iago tells him that Cassio and Desdemona were getting too close. At first Othello does not believe him, but by Iago saying “nothing,my lord; or if- I know not what” Othello starts to question if it is true (III. III. 39). Iago constantly uses his “innocence” to make Othello jealous and start to assume that it is true. These actions eventually lead to a tragic event.

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As a scheming villain, Iago begins to ensnare Othello into his trap of vengeance by echoing in Othello’s mind prospect of an affair between Cassio and Desdemona. Iago begins his insinuations by reminding Othello that Cassio served as their go-between during their courtship through a rhetorical

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