Character Sketch of Emilia:

Emilia is a significant character in Shakespeare's play, Othello. She is the wife of Iago, and
Desdemona's attendant. Emilia is described as a strong-willed and outspoken woman. She is not
afraid to speak her mind and is often critical of her husband's actions. In terms of her physical
appearance, Emilia is not described extensively in the play. However, her character is defined by
her attitude and behavior.

Emilia is described as a "woman of earthy complexion, with black hair and dark eyes." (Act III,
Scene iii) She is not conventionally beautiful, but she exudes a certain confidence and strength
that makes her stand out. Throughout the play, Emilia's internal monologue reveals her
conflicted feelings toward her husband and her loyalty to Desdemona, Othello's wife. In Act IV,
Scene ii, she says, "I will speak as liberal as the north: Let heaven and men and devils, let them
all, all, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak." This quote reveals her determination to speak
the truth, even if it goes against her husband's wishes. She is torn between her loyalty to her
husband and her friendship with Desdemona.

Emilia's attitude and behavior are shaped by her experiences as a woman in a patriarchal
society. In Act IV, Scene iii, she says, "But I do think it is their husbands' faults If wives do fall."
This quote shows her belief that men are responsible for the behavior of their wives. She is
frustrated by the double standards that exist in society, where men can have affairs and be
praised for their virility, while women are condemned for the same behavior.

Emilia's loyalty to Desdemona is evident in Act IV, Scene ii, where she steals Desdemona's
handkerchief and gives it to Iago. She does not realize the significance of the handkerchief, but
her actions ultimately lead to Desdemona's downfall. However, in Act V, Scene ii, Emilia finally
realizes the truth about her husband's treachery and says, "O, the more angel she, And you the
blacker devil!" This quote shows her anger towards her husband and her newfound loyalty to
Desdemona.

In conclusion, Emilia is a strong-willed and outspoken character in Shakespeare's play, Othello.

She is loyal to Desdemona and is aware of the injustices that women face in society. Emilia's
internal monologue shows that she is a woman of strong convictions who is aware of her
husband's manipulative nature. Her behavior in the play is reflective of her strength of character
and her loyalty to those she cares about.