Response it #4 on suspense

"Hell and nigh must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light (I.iii. 383-384)." - Iago

Throughout Othello, it becomes pretty clear that Iago is the only character fully aware of what's going on. This is due mainly because he is the architect of the master plan. While other characters call him trustworthy and loyal Iago, he plots behind their backs. This is in part what creates suspense in this play. The reader knows of Iago's plan but is in the dark to specifics entirely until the plan comes to fruition. What is also suspenseful throughout is waiting and seeing if one of the characters is going to catch on and spoil the evil plot. While the audience is watching the plot unfold flawlessly, they feel helpless. In the audience knowing of Iago's plan and the characters not knowing, the dramatic irony creates most of the suspense in Othello.