However, many critics argue that the first seed of doubt is not issued from Iago but by Desdemona's father: "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see.

(1.3) It is Desdemona's assurance and confidence in the honor and strength of the love she bears for Othello that inspires her boldness.

Harley Granville-Barker's 1930 essay Prefaces to Shakespeare - Othello includes an extended character analysis of Desdemona.

In a 1966 British film version, Maggie Smith played the character opposite Laurence Olivier.

Maggie Smith and co-stars Olivier, Frank Finlay (Iago), and Joyce Redman (Emilia) all received acting nominations.

In O (2001), Julia Stiles played a character based on Desdemona in a version of Othello set in a contemporary high school.

A 2001 British made-for-television film featuring Keeley Hawes as Desdemona "Dessie" Brabant also updates the action, picturing John Othello (Eamonn Walker) and Ben Jago (Christopher Eccleston) as high ranking Metropolitan Police officers.

In 2006, Omkara, a Bollywood version of Othello, Dolly Mishra (Desdemona) was played by Kareena Kapoor.