Cassio

Also known as: Lieutenant Cassio / Michael / Michael Cassio · Family: Venetian military · Role: lieutenant · First appears: Othello · Act I, Scene I

When Othello appoints Michael Cassio lieutenant, bypassing Iago despite Iago’s military experience, Cassio’s promotion becomes the basis of Iago’s rivalry with him. Cassio goes to Cyprus with Othello and assumes his post as the Turkish war ends, while Iago plots to implicate him with Desdemona and take his position. At Iago’s urging, Cassio is intoxicated, strikes Roderigo, fights Montano, and causes Montano to be seriously injured; Othello then removes him from office, saying, “Cassio, I love thee, But never more be officer of mine.”

Cassio turns to Desdemona, who speaks strongly on his behalf, and Emilia arranges for them to speak privately. Othello agrees to receive him again after Desdemona’s repeated petitions, but Iago uses their association to foster suspicion. Cassio remains Othello’s servant and seeks the restoration of their friendship, while also courting Bianca; after finding Desdemona’s handkerchief in his chamber, he gives it to Bianca to copy, unaware that Othello will accept it as proof of betrayal.

Othello commissions Iago to have Cassio killed and appoints Iago lieutenant. Roderigo attacks Cassio, whom Cassio wounds, and Iago cuts Cassio in the leg, leaving him maimed. Iago blames the attack on Roderigo and escaped assailants, but letters later reveal that he had set Roderigo against Cassio; after Othello loses his command, Cassio assumes authority in Cyprus.