Drama is dynamic, over the course of a play the audience's perception of the characters develops and changes as the plot is constructed and unfolded. A good playwright will create an impression for each of the individual characters and then as twists in the plot develop they manipulate the character's attitudes and manner to show the psychological effects of controversy. In William Shakespeare's Othello many of the characters change in their beliefs and mannerisms, but none more so than the protagonist, Othello.

Our initial perception of Othello comes from Iago, the mastermind between the developments in the plot. In his opening conversation with Roderigo, Othello is portrayed as a barbaric and uncivilized Negro. When they confront Brabantio this same description is exemplified, Othello comes across as an incontinent savage, an .".. old black ram..." However when Othello is first encountered this portrayal is debunked. The courteous moor is revealed...