A protagonist is the main character in a play.

The inciting incident is an event that acts as the catalyst for the protagonist’s changing fate.

The resolution is the end of the story where the problem is solved.

A catalyst is something that causes something else to happen.

Moorish people were the North African people that ruled Spain from 711 to 1492.

Introduction to 'Othello' and plot exploration

English

In 'Othello', pupils learn about the conventions of a tragic hero, which allows them to judge whether the protagonist is more a victim of his own hamartia or rather of external pressures and a racist society. In 'Macbeth: A Tragic  Hero', pupils evaluate whether Macbeth's downfall is caused by his own hubris or whether Lady Macbeth and wider society can be blamed. 

In 'The Language of Protest', pupils take inspiration from protest poetry and speeches, to write an opinion article. In 'Othello', pupils use their argumentative writing skills to compose letters in defense of Othello and to write speeches campaigning for racial equality. 

'Othello'

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Who is Othello from Shakespeare's 'Othello'?

Iago convinces Othello that his wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him

Iago convinces Othello that his lieutenant, Cassio, is trying to usurp him

Iago convinces Othello that his wife's father wants to kill him

How does Iago manipulate Othello in 'Othello'?

What is tragic about the ending of 'Othello'?

Iago - he is a mere soldier in a society where rank is valued

Othello - he is a black general in a society where racial prejudice was rife

Cassio - he is a Turkish lieutenant in a society that disapproved of invasion

Who could be considered an outsider in the play 'Othello' and why?

he is likely to be delighted - Othello has high status as a general

he is likely to be annoyed that Desdemona did not consult him before marrying

he is likely to be apprehensive because Desdemona's marriage is interracial

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', how is Desdemona's father likely to react to her secret marriage to Othello and why?

Iago plants seeds of Desdemona's cheating

Othello sees that Cassio has Desdemona's handkerchief

Which event in the play 'Othello' could be seen as the climax?

Which time period did Shakespeare live in?

Having a biased view on a group of people due to race, gender, religion etc.

Starting with the first, put the components of Freytag's pyramid in chronological order. 

What three types of play did Shakespeare write?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Introduction to 'Othello' and plot exploration

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.