Othello

Also known as: Moor / the Moor / the general · Family: Venetian military · Role: Moor · First appears: Othello · Act I, Scene I

In Venice, Othello appoints Cassio lieutenant despite Iago’s military experience, leaving Iago to follow him for personal advantage: “I follow him to serve my turn upon him:”. Othello marries Desdemona, faces Brabantio’s accusation, and publicly confirms the marriage: “That I have ta’en away this old man’s daughter, It is most true; true, I have married her.” Ordered to Cyprus, he entrusts Desdemona to Iago and leaves that night, while Roderigo joins Iago in opposition to him.

At Cyprus, Othello reunites joyfully with Desdemona and celebrates their marriage after the Turkish fleet is lost. He removes Cassio from his office after the disorder, but later agrees to receive him again when Desdemona repeatedly petitions for his return. Othello trusts Iago as an ally, accepts his service, entrusts him with letters, and eventually appoints him lieutenant.

That confidence turns when Iago urges Othello to watch Desdemona with Cassio. Othello moves from believing his wife honest to doubting her, then accepts the handkerchief and Iago’s claims as proof of betrayal. He commissions Cassio’s death, orders Desdemona killed, repeatedly demands the handkerchief, strikes her publicly, and repudiates her as his wife.

Believing Iago’s accusations, Othello resolves to kill Desdemona and smothers her in bed. Emilia then reveals that she found the handkerchief and gave it to Iago, while Othello admits consenting to Cassio’s death. His command is taken away and Cassio rules in Cyprus; after Iago’s treachery is exposed, Othello stabs himself and dies beside Desdemona, saying, “I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee. No way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.”