Final answer:
Emilia, Iago's wife, is killed by Iago after she reveals the truth about his deceptions, attempting to silence her and protect his machinations which ultimately leads to his downfall.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who Kills Emilia in Othello and Why?
At the end of William Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, it is the character Iago who kills Emilia. Emilia is Iago's wife, and she plays a crucial role in revealing the truth about Iago's villainy. Jealousy and manipulation are central themes throughout the play, and Iago is the mastermind behind the tragic downfall of the protagonist, Othello. After Othello smothers Desdemona to death under the false impression that she was unfaithful, Emilia discloses the truth about Iago's deceptions. In a fit of rage, Iago stabs Emilia to silence her, as she threatens to unravel his intricate web of lies and reveal his role in orchestrating the tragic events. Emilia's murder is a desperate act by Iago to maintain his control over the narrative and protect his reputation, although ultimately it leads to his own undoing.