Plot Summary

Provoked by Iago, a jealous Roderigo tells Brabantio of Othello’s secret affair and
marriage to his daughter Desdemona. Othello is brought before the Duke, where he
explains how he wooed Desdemona, and she is brought to the chamber to confirm
her willingness to marry him. Othello is then sent to defend to Cyprus against the
Turks. He prepares to leave, entrusting Desdemona to his ensign, Iago. Iago tells
Roderigo that he will obtain Desdemona for him, and persuades him to come to
Cyprus, along with his money. Iago reflects on his hatred for Othello, and plots a way
of destroying him.

Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant, arrives in Cyprus, followed by Iago and Desdemona, and
then by Othello. The Turkish fleet is reported lost in a storm, and during the
celebrations Iago persuades a reluctant Cassio to drink, then prompts Roderigo to
start a fight with Cassio. Cassio becomes angry, and also attacks Montano, the
Cyprus governor. Othello is roused, and removes Cassio from office. Iago advises
Cassio to work his way back into Othello’s affections by speaking to Desdemona.

Cassio asks Iago’s wife Emilia to arrange a meeting with Desdemona, and she
agrees to do what she can. Iago puts the thought of Desdemona being unfaithful into
Othello’s mind, and hints at Cassio’s role in the infidelity. Emilia finds a handkerchief
that Desdemona has dropped and passes it to Iago. Othello’s jealousy grows and he
asks Iago to prove his suspicions. Iago suggests that Desdemona has given Cassio
the handkerchief. Othello asks Desdemona for it and is angered when she is unable
to produce it. Cassio meanwhile has found the handkerchief in his chamber and he
asks his mistress Bianca to have it copied.

Iago arranges for Othello to overhear a conversation between himself and Cassio,
joking about Cassio’s mistress Bianca—but making the conversation appear to be
about Desdemona. Bianca appears with the handkerchief and returns it to Cassio.
This enrages Othello, and he hits Desdemona, much to the dismay of his kinsman
Lodovico who has arrived from Venice with letters ordering Othello to return. Othello
asks Emilia about Desdemona’s unfaithfulness, but she denies any knowledge of it.
He then accuses Desdemona to her face, leaving her distraught.

Iago convinces Roderigo that Cassio must die to keep Desdemona in Cyprus.
Roderigo attacks Cassio, but is wounded by him. Iago wounds Cassio. Hearing
Cassio’s cries, Othello thinks Iago has killed him, and leaves to deal with
Desdemona. Iago then kills Roderigo. Othello kills Desdemona, strangling her in her
bed. Emilia discovers her body, and tells Othello that she was innocent, and that Iago
had lied to him; she is stabbed and killed by Iago. Letters are revealed telling of Iago
and Roderigo’s plot to kill Cassio. Othello, realising Desdemona was innocent,
laments, then stabs Iago, but only wounds him. Lodovico gives Cassio power to rule
in Cyprus, and is about to arrest Othello, when Othello commits suicide.
Othello
A Moor, and an officer in the Venetian military. He falls in love with, and marries, the
delicate Desdemona though he is middle-aged, and she is still young. Othello is bold and a
good warrior, but he is a good man undone by his two main failings - jealousy and pride.
Although Othello is very eloquent, he believes his manners and words are both rough.
Desdemona
Othello's wife, a young Venetian woman of high birth and good breeding. Desdemona is
almost overly virtuous, which causes her to feel that she must defend Cassio, and speak in a
public sphere when necessary. She is stronger than Othello believes her to be, and is not the
private, withdrawn, meek woman he wish she were.
Cassio
Othello's lieutenant, though he has little field experience. Cassio is a smooth-talking Venetian
courtier, the opposite of Othello in many respects, which is why Othello admires him. Othello
is led to believe that Cassio has had an affair with his wife, though Cassio has only honorable
intentions toward Desdemona.
Iago
Othello's ensign who was passed over for the lieutenant position in favor of Cassio. Iago is
young and treacherous; he is a villain from the start, and though he cites his wounded pride
and Othello's alleged infidelity with his wife Emilia, his actions are without justification. He
is immoral, but very perceptive, keen, and able to manipulate people into falling for his
deceptions.
Emilia
Iago's wife, and Desdemona's handmaiden. She is entrusted with bringing people into
Desdemona's presence, staying with her at all times, etc. Emilia is not aware of her husband's
machinations, nor his darker qualities. She remains loyal to Desdemona above all others,
although she unwittingly plays a key part in Iago's treachery.
Brabantio
Desdemona's father, a senator and renowned citizen of Venice. He is not at all pleased by
Desdemona's union, and warns Othello that as Desdemona betrayed her father, she may
betray her husband too.
Roderigo
A Venetian who lusts after Desdemona, and thus a tool in Iago's plots. Iago promises
Roderigo that he shall have Desdemona's love in return for his help; Roderigo actually
receives nothing but a disgraced death following his attempt on Cassio's life.
Duke of Venice
Ruler of the city, and Othello's superior. He allows Othello and Desdemona to stay together
despite her father's protests. The Duke also sends Othello off to Cyprus to battle the Moors.
Senators
Other authority figures of Venice, and men of reason and order; they also support Othello and
Desdemona's union, and Othello answers to them and the Duke in matters of war.
Bianca
A courtesan who Cassio visits frequently; Cassio asks her to make a copy of Desdemona's
handkerchief, and the fact that the handkerchief is found in her place further incriminates
Cassio. She is the only female in the play whom Cassio shows less than full respect to, likely
because she is a prostitute.
Montano, Governor of Cyprus
Pronounces judgment on Iago at the end of the play, comments on the situation, and helps to
wrap the play up. He is the main law and order figure of Cyprus, and serves as damage
control after Othello dies, and Iago is proven unfit.
Lodovico and Gratiano
Two Venetian nobles, both of some relation to Desdemona; both play their biggest part after
Desdemona has died, and must take the news of the tragedy back to Venice as officials of that
city