Desdemona

Also known as: Desdemon · Family: Venice · Role: daughter · First appears: Othello · Act I, Scene II

In Venice, Desdemona elopes with Othello and marries him, prompting Brabantio to accuse him of abducting and enchanting her. Othello publicly confirms the marriage—“That I have ta’en away this old man’s daughter, It is most true; true, I have married her.”—and Brabantio eventually accepts him as her husband. Iago is entrusted with arranging her journey after Othello leaves, and she arrives safely in Cyprus under his conduct.

In Cyprus, Desdemona reunites joyfully with Othello and speaks stoutly on behalf of Cassio, arranging opportunities for him to plead his case and persuading Othello to receive him. She regards Cassio as his true servant and promises, “If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it To the last article.” Emilia attends her, while Iago plots to turn her efforts for Cassio into evidence against her.

After Emilia gives Iago Desdemona’s dropped handkerchief, Iago uses it to provoke Othello’s suspicion. Desdemona cannot produce it when Othello demands it, and he accuses her of infidelity, strikes her, repudiates her as his wife, and orders her death. He commands her to go to bed and later smothers her there; afterward, Emilia reveals that she found the handkerchief and gave it to Iago.