Jones
English 12 H
Othello: Final paper
Roberts tells us a, “character is a verbal representation of a human being. Through
action, speech, description, and commentary, authors portray characters who are worth
caring about, cheering for, and even loving” (64). In Shakespeare’s play, we have
characters who are misguided, dutiful, duped, and downright evil. In your essay, you are
exploring the role of character in Othello. When writing, it is important to remember to
“distinguish between circumstances and character, for circumstances have value only if
you show that they demonstrate important traits” (65). Examine actions, descriptions,
what characters say and what others say about the character, and the judgments made
about the character. Is your character round or flat, static or dynamic? What does that
mean for the play?
Some additional things to think of in terms of understanding character:
1.) A central trait or major characteristic of the character
2.) Explain a character’s growth or change
3.) Organize your essay around central actions, objects, or quotations that reveal
primary characteristics
4.) Develop qualities of a flat character or characters (selected from Roberts, 72)
When writing your essay, you should have a thesis (central idea + topics of
evidence) which makes clear what you are arguing in your paper. You should also have
supporting evidence and, as always, be mindful for clarity in your writing, spelling,
grammar, etc.
Your paper is due at the beginning of class on Friday, January 20.
If you would like to meet with me regarding the content of your paper, just
schedule a time with me.