What is Othello's tragic flaw and how does it manifest in his actions?
Ava Arnold
Updated on January 13, 2026
Othello the Tragic Hero
In conclusion Othello is the tragic hero because he was essentially perfect, except for his major flaw. Jealousy. This flaw eventually leads to his downfall, the killing of his faithful wife( contradictory to what he thought) and himself.What is Othello's tragic flaw?
Some say that Othello's tragic flaw was jealousy which flared at suspicion and rushed into action unchecked by calm common sense. A more modern interpretation would say that Othello's tragic flaw was that he had internalized, that is taken into himself, the prejudices of those who surrounded him.What flaw in Othello's character caused his downfall?
Throughout the play, Othello tragic flaw is his own jealousy. Othello jealousy causes a transition of character. Othello was once the charming noble gentleman and it is now turned into a vicious callous monster. Othello's jealousy was his downfall that cost the deaths of multiple lives.How does Othello's tragic flaw make him relatable?
Othello's flaw connects him with the audience on a relatable level. The audience detects that Othello is heroic and great, but his imperfections show through, making him relatable as a person. Most importantly, another trait of the tragic hero appears in Othello's fatal flaw of insecurity.What flaws make Othello a tragic hero?
Othello is a tragic hero because of his tragic flaw.There are many undesirable traits in Othello, like his jealousy and gullibility. However, the core of these problems and his main tragic flaw is his insecurities. Othello is the only black character and an outsider in Venice brings upon many insecurities.