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In William Shakespeare's Othello, we are introduced to several characters throughout the course of the play, three of which are female. These characters are Desdemona, wife to Othello, Emilia, wife to Iago and Bianca, lover of Cassio. Shakespeare has chosen to present the reader with only three female characters for strategic reasons. The significance of Emilia and Bianca is to heighten our awareness of Desdemona's innocence and loyalty to her husband. Emilia and Bianca are primarily created to present to the reader a striking contrast to Desdemona. Desdemona is the young, sweet, and unsuspecting daughter of Venice nobleman Brabantio. She is often referred to throughout the play as virtuous, innocent, and pure by several different characters. In this conversation, Cassio. She's a most exquisite lady. Iago. And, I'll warrant her, full of game. Cassio. Indeed, she's a most fresh and delicate creature. Iago. What an eye she has! Methinks it sounds a parley to provocation. Cassio. An inviting eye: and yet methinks right modest. Iago. And when she speaks, is it not an alurum to love? Cassio. She is indeed perfection. (Act 2, scene 3, lines 18-25) the