Analyze Desdemona’s role. To what extent is she merely a passive victim of Othello’s brutality? How does her character change when she is not with Othello?

Desdemona is a complex character. She displays courage and individuality when standing up to her father, yet is passive with her husband. Desdemona knows the racial slurs and insults hurled at Othello. She understands her father's revulsion at her union. Still she stands up for her decision and for her husband. As Othello's paranoia grows so does his abusive behavior towards Desdemona. Desdemona does try to defend herself but her protests seem passive. She seems resigned to Othello's abuse. She appeals to Emilia who explains that all men are basically swine. In the end Desdemona parishes. Many critics argue its over her sense of duty to Othello and some argue it is over her weakness to resist him.