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Othello vs. Aaron Shakespeare used the idea of a person being black to great effect in two of his plays. These were Othello and Titus Andronicus. Each of these plays are violent tragedies in which there is much suffering, back stabbing, and loss of life. However in each play the usage of a black character is vastly different. Yet in both tragedies the idea of being black is not discussed in any fashion which can be described using any modern forms of racism or racial theory. Therefor, in order to explain Shakespeare’s usage of black characters, each character must be examined separately from the other in the context of their very different roles. Othello is the lead character of the play by the same name. He is a moor, and therefor a man of black skin. In the play, Othello is a general in the army of Venice. He is a man who is commonly respected for his great courage, and skill on the field of battle. He is also held in the greatest regard by the Duke of Venice. This is quickly displayed in the story when the Duke seeks Othello’s council immediately after hearing news of an impending attack by the Turks. However, Othello is a tragic hero of his play, and therefor must have his downfall before