Othello Acts 1 2 3

#4- Dramatic suspense is created through the drawing out of the action. We are usually told a vague summary of Iago's plans, but we do not know how it will play out. Also, as each issue arises, more tension grows between the characters. Contrasting the audience's knowledge against the characters', there is a great difference. We know that Iago is fooling everyone and only out for himself. Roderigo thinks his main goal is to help him win Desdemona's love. Othello and Cassio think he is a great asset to their war efforts. The audience's knowledge of Iago's true plans creates an even more suspenseful effect because we know the dangerous web that the characters are being caught in.