The Black, The White, and The Ugly

Othello - by William Shakespeare

The Black - Othello, the valiant protagonist who seems to have it all. He plays an important role in establishing the characters of the other men in the play because of his leadership role over them. In some ways, every man is compared to Othello in his performance, military finesse, and ability to gain a desirable woman. Still, his good nature and purity is emphasized. When confronted about his marriage to Desdemona, Othello answers that "My parts, my title, and my perfect soul Shall manifest me rightly," (Act I. ii. 31-32).
The White - The symbol of purity and simultaneous desirableness to each man presented is Desdemona. Her character portrays the ideal woman to both Othello and Roderigo, but Othello has her, leading Roderigo to bend easily into Iago's manipulating hands.
The Ugly - Iago, a particularly persuasive and observant villain who plays on the desires and weaknesses of his fellow men. Iago is weaving his web by playing everyone's friend; saying what they want to hear, yet filling their ears with exactly what he wants them to hear.