What are the similarities and differences between the characters Othello and Oedipus?

I think that the comparisons are both very interesting.  A
significant similarity between both heroes is that they allow their judgment to be
clouded by personal emotion.  For Oedipus, pride becomes his undoing and for Othello,
personal doubt and insecurity helps to unravel all that was good around him.  Both of
them are accompanied by loyal and honorable women who suffer because of them.  Jocasta
was loyal to her husband/ son until the revelations became too much to bear, taking her
own life.  Desdemona, contrary to Othello's own fears, was above reproach as a wife, and
suffered greatly because of him.  Finally, both have to deal with the chasm between the
titles and respect afforded to them by society and their own understanding of identity
as human beings.  In both dramas, we see that the titles conferred by society and
political orders do not prevent the hollowness of individual character or identity from
coming to the forefront of the surface.  Significant differences are present, as well. 
Othello dies, while Oedipus lives.  I find this importance because one is able to die
with their tragic condition, while another one is condemned to live.  The presence of
children also changes dimensions significantly.  Had Othello and Desdemona had children,
it is interesting to ponder how things would have been different.  It's difficult for
Iago to hold so much sway over him if children had been present.