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Othello · Character

Barbara

Desdemona's mother's maid who died singing the willow song.

minor

Also known as poor Barbara

First appearance: act iv scene iii

See Barbara in act iv scene iiiBook page

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Character Web

5 connections

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MCMichael CassioEMEmiliaOTOthelloIAIagoLOLodovicoBABarbara

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Peripheral and secondary characters
  • Venetian power and domestic circle
  • Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Iago’s manipulation…

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See Barbara in act iv scene iii
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