Othello Act V

In the midst of many dynamic characters in William Shakespeare's Othello, Desdemona appears to be a static character. In the first Act, she is bold and loving, standing up to her father for her true love Othello. This courage and undying love does not waver, even in the face of her untimely demose. When Othello harshly rebukes her, calling her names and even slapping her, Desdemona does not react with anger. Instead, she begs to know what she has done. Never does she seem to doubt or even blame Othello, showing the same devotion she did when speaking to the Duke about their marriage in Act I. Even after Othello' murder attempt, she continues to show her faithfulness. When Emilia asks how her injuries occurred, with her dying breath Desdemona denies that it was Othello. Instead, she blamed herself, saying the cause was "Nobody, I myself" (Act V, ii, 122). This devotion to Othello is probably undeserved, as he does not show the same unwavering loyalty and trust in her. However, this attribute is what makes Desdemona one of the few static characters.