What is Othello’s position in society? How is he regarded by those who know him? By his own words, when we first meet him in Scene ii, what traits of character does he manifest?

Othello is an officer in the Venetian army. He is also a moor, which sets hi apart from society. People in power consider Othello a manly officer with great military skill. Even though Othello is a moor (black) he is afforded respect within the context of commanding the military. Othello is absolute on his decisions and emotions. At the beginning of sc 2, Othello asserts that he is absolutely in love with Desdemona and nothing can change that. Iago will play upon Othello's insecurities that lay beneath his emotional confidence.