Lodovico appears for the first time as an emissary to Cyprus from the Duke of Venice in Act IV, Scene 1. He inquires casually about the situation on the island, but immediately witnesses Othello strike Desdemona. Lodovico is shocked by Othello's behavior, asking the rhetorical question: "Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate / Call all in all sufficient?" (IV.i.265-266). As a neutral observer, his comment highlights the dramatic devolution that Othello has suffered under Iago's spell. Lodovico cannot prevent the tangle of evil that occurs in the last two acts of the play.
Emilia in this play is a perfect portrait from common life, a masterpiece in the Flemish style; and though not necessary as a contrast, it cannot be but that the thorough vulgarity, the loose principles of this plebian woman, united to a high degree of spirit, energetic feeling, strong sense, and low cunning, serve to place in brighter relief the exquisite refinement, the moral grace, the unblemished truth, and the soft submission of Desdemona. -- JAMESON, ANNA BROWNELL, 1832, Characteristics of Shakespeare's Women.
Emilia is the lone character who garners the knowledge to all circumstances of the events surrounding the characters in Othello the Moor. Although other characters in the play are privy to certain details of the unfolding events, Emilia is the character that uses this knowledge to the benefit of the play. Emilia's character is minor yet necessary. Without her character the play would have no means of unraveling the confusion created by the author. Emilia, wife of Iago, should be questioned of her loyalty and commitment to both her husband and her dear friend, Desdemona.
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