Desdemona, the daughter of the well-regarded Brabantio in Venice, belongs to the Venetian upper class. She elopes with Othello and follows him to Cyprus. After Cassio's fall from grace, she advocates for his reinstatement, which leads her husband to believe Iago's false claims of her infidelity. Tragically, Othello ends up murdering her.

Desdemona appears to have numerous suitors, but she chooses to marry Othello, a decision that deeply disturbs Brabantio, Iago, and Roderigo. She affirms before the Venetian senate that Othello's account of their mutual attraction is accurate. Othello recounts how he was invited to Brabantio's home to narrate his adventures in distant lands. Desdemona, often interrupted by errands for her father and his guests, couldn't hear the entire tale. However, her curiosity led her to hear the complete story from Othello on another occasion. Othello tells the duke and senators, "She lov'd me for the dangers I had pass'd, / And I lov'd her that she did pity them" (I.iii.167-168). Despite her father’s and Iago’s doubts, Desdemona genuinely loves Othello and remains loyal to him until her death, despite his jealous suspicions.

However, some critics argue that Desdemona represents a paradox. After Othello accuses her of infidelity, she asks Emilia, "Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world?" (IV.iii.63). Emilia pragmatically replies that while she wouldn't be unfaithful for a mere trifle, the world is a significant place. Desdemona's question highlights her innocence, yet her past actions show she is capable of some deception: she secretly marries a man her father disapproves of. She explains to Brabantio that she has simply shifted her love and loyalty from father to husband, just as her mother did. While many audiences don't judge Desdemona harshly for this, critics argue that her actions demonstrate a capacity to deceive men. Iago exploits this perceived ability, sealing Desdemona's fate when he tells Othello, "She did deceive her father, marrying you; / And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks, / She loved them most" (III.iii.206-208).

As Othello contemplates killing Desdemona, he echoes Iago's words, "Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men" (V.ii.6). For Iago and Othello, Desdemona can only be entirely pure when she can no longer feel desire, and when men no longer fear that her desire will betray them—in death.

Some critics have likened Desdemona to a Christlike figure. Much like Christ's unconditional love for humanity, Desdemona's affection for Othello is given freely and doesn't require rational justification. Othello's tragic flaw is his inability to simply accept Desdemona's love; instead, he seeks reasons to deem himself unworthy of her. He succumbs to Iago's insinuations that someone so different in "clime, complexion, and degree" (III.iii.230) could not genuinely love him. After Othello kills Desdemona, Emilia asks who is responsible. Desdemona briefly revives and says, "Nobody; I myself. Farewell! / Commend me to my kind lord" (V.ii.125-126), mirroring the selflessness and forgiveness of Christ's last words on the cross.

Traditionally, Desdemona has been portrayed as the embodiment of "good" in stark contrast to Iago's "evil." Often overshadowed by the commanding and enigmatic personas of Othello and Iago, Desdemona has frequently been viewed as a straightforward character: either an idealized goddess or a passive, underdeveloped figure. However, recent critiques have unveiled a more complex depiction of Desdemona as a vibrant, courageous, and sensual woman. Notably, it is Desdemona, not Othello, who initiates their romance and courtship. She also demonstrates significant boldness and independence by marrying Othello despite her father's disapproval. Yet, she pays a steep price for her autonomy: estranged from her familiar Venetian environment, she becomes reliant on Othello; and when his love turns to violence, she finds herself alone and defenseless.