Sympathy for Desdemona and Othello

It is probably natural that a reader feel sympathy for Desdemona; falsely accused, she suffers some of the most offensive name-calling in all of Shakespeare. But it is also appropriate to sympathize with Othello. He becomes malleable in the hands of Iago who molds him to his own vindictive purpose, never disclosing his reasons.

Admiration for Emilia

Additionally, one should admire Emilia who is truly heroic in her denial of the accusations against Desdemona, her resistance to her husband's subjugation of her, and in her triumphant realization of justice and punishment for wrongdoing.