Desdemona
Desdemona is the daughter of the senator and future wife of Othello. In this play, we explore her growing into an adult woman. Morrison strives to make her as human as possible. The meaning of her name is misery and doom. She goes through a lot with her mother and her husband who finally kills her.
Desdemona’s Mother
Desdemona’s mother is abusive and irresponsible. She doesn’t care for Desdemona as she leaves her to be raised by the maids.
Barbary
Barbary is the maid of Desdemona’s mother. She fully takes on the duties of her mother and is a constant presence in Desdemona’s life.
Emilia
Emilia is Desdemona’s maid. She has been beside her since she was a child. In this play, these characters are given a much bigger role as they express their experiences living as slaves. She is the wife of Lago.
Othello
While Othello isn’t an important character in this play, his influences are still felt in this play as he is the source of Desdemona’s doom.
