Emilia chooses to carelessly obey Iago throughout the majority of the play, be selectively silent when her knowledge is crucial, and believe that Othello and Desdemona’s marriage is ruined rather than seek out the truth.
Shakespeare takes advantage of Othello’s curiosity by creating doubt in his head, leading him to question those surrounding him. In order for Shakespeare to successfully adjust Othello’s personality using insecurity, he needs something for Othello to desire in order to plant the first seed of doubt and what better place than his curiosity for the truth. In response to Iago’s series of questions Othello asks, “Indeed? Ay, indeed. Discern’st thou aught in that?/Is he not honest?” (III.iii.101-102). Othello becomes intrigued by Iago’s series of incomplete responses; they raise more