Elements of Drama: Plots and Sub-plots

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Othello

The main plot is the path of the tragic hero, Othello, and how he goes from being happy and in love, to being a murderer. His tragic flaw of jelousy and Iago's manipulation is what causes him to travel down this path. The play is centered around Othello's downfall and much emotion is stirred because of his fate.

The play has a variety of sub-plots and they all revolve around characters and their relationship with one another. The relationship between Desdemona and her maid Emilia is significant. Although they have been together quite some time, Emilia does not let on about Iago's plan when Desdemona confides in her. Iago has a relationship with both Roderigo, Cassio and Othello. Iago uses Cassio’s youth, good looks, and friendship with Desdemona to play on Othello’s insecurities about Desdemona. Roderigo, who is deeply in love with Desdemona, is convinced by Iago to kill Cassio. Of the many sub-plots, the relationship between Iago and Othello is the most important. Iago, with all of his manipulative relationships, is the one who drives Othello to death.

Merchant of Venice

Merchant of Venice can be defined as either a comedy or a tragedy. If the play is seen as a comedy, Portia's relationship with Bassanio can be see as the main plot. A comedy usually ends with a marriage. Bassanio chose the correct casket, which means that he gets to marry Portia. If the play is seen as a tragedy, audience members may see Shylock's unfortunate journey as the main plot. Because Antonio did not pay his debt back to Shylock, in court, Shylock is forced to become a Christian. The audience may define this as tragic.

One sub-plot is the relationship between Shylock and Jessica. Shylock claims he has a close bond with his daughter and is shocked when she leaves him to get married. Portia and her lady-in-waiting, Narisa, both dress as men and enter the court in attempt to save Bassanio's friend, Antonio. The reason why Antonio is in debt is because of Bassanio. Bassanio needed money so that he could impress Portia, and because he was unable to pay back Antonio, Antonio ended up owing Shylock a pound of flesh.