Desdemona (Othello)

Desdemona is a fictional character in the play Othello by William Shakespeare. She is Othello's wife, and the daughter of Senator Brabantio. She is both lightskinned and innocent; Shakespeare uses her as a symbol of purity to contrast malevolent Iago and his worldly wife, Emilia.

Desdemona's love and trust for her husband lasts to her dying breath.

Desdemona is a self-sacrificing Christ figure somewhat like Cordelia from another Shakespeare play, King Lear.

Critics classify her as one of Shakespeare's rebellious females. Although headstrong they are still easily manipulated and "gentle".

See also: Desdemona (Othello), Cordelia, Fictional character, Frederic Leighton, 1st Baron Leighton, Iago, King Lear, Othello, Play, William Shakespeare, Christ figure