Study Notes | Structure

Act 1: Introduction of characters and the initial conflict.
Act 2: Rising action, where tensions start to build.
Act 3: The climax, where the turning point occurs.
Act 4: Falling action, as events spiral out of control.
Act 5: The resolution, culminating in the tragic ending.

The structure of Othello plays a significant role in how the tragedy unfolds. Shakespeare employs a 5-act structure, where each act contributes to the overall development of the plot and characters. Understanding the structure is essential to grasping the progression of the story and the eventual downfall of the tragic hero.