Emilia

Family: Venice · Role: Iago's wife · First appears: Othello · Act II, Scene I

At Cyprus, Emilia arrives safely with Desdemona under Iago’s conduct, as Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s attendant. In Act III, Iago sends her to draw Othello away so Cassio can speak privately with Desdemona; Emilia explains that Desdemona is advocating for Cassio, then brings him inside, saying, “Pray you, come in. I will bestow you where you shall have time / To speak your bosom freely.” She also gives Iago Desdemona’s dropped handkerchief.

In Act IV, Othello orders Emilia to leave the room, guard the door, and signal if anyone comes, then commands Desdemona to dismiss her. Emilia answers, “Dismiss me?” In Act V, Iago tells her that Cassio was attacked by Roderigo and escaped assailants, but she later reveals that she found the handkerchief and gave it to Iago after he repeatedly begged her to steal it. After Emilia exposes Iago’s deception, he stabs her and runs out.