The Shakespeare Book

242

W

ith the help of the

love-sick gentleman

Roderigo, the soldier

Iago plots to thwart the Moorish

general of the Venetian army,

Othello. Iago tells Brabanzio that

his daughter, Desdemona, has

eloped with Othello. Brabanzio

demands justice from the Venetian

court. After hearing Desdemona’s

defense, the law favors Othello, who

must now speed to Cyprus

to prevent a Turkish invasion.

Desdemona insists upon meeting

Othello in Cyprus once he has

defeated the Turks.

OTHELLO

Iago plagues Othello with

suspicions about Desdemona’s

relationship with Cassio. In the

meantime, Iago persuades

Roderigo, who is in love with

Desdemona, to challenge Cassio

to a fight. Their brawl wakes

Othello, who dismisses Cassio

from the army. Cassio pleads with

Desdemona to persuade Othello to

forgive him, causing the Moor to

suspect his wife of infidelity.

Iago has his wife Emilia steal

a handkerchief that was given to

Desdemona by Othello. He plants

it in Cassio’s bedchamber and

DRAMATIS

PERSONAE

Othello General in the

Venetian army, also known

as the Moor.

Iago Othello’s “ancient,” or

standard-bearer, who is

envious of Othello’s position.

Desdemona Othello’s bride,

who is disowned by Brabanzio

after her wedding. Her name

means “ill-fated.”

Cassio A lieutenant in

the army, who is wrongly

accused by Iago and Othello

of committing adultery

with Desdemona.

Emilia The sole companion

of Desdemona and much

neglected wife of Iago.

Roderigo A suitor to

Desdemona, spurred on by

Iago to seek vengeance

against Othello.

Brabanzio The father of

Desdemona and former

companion of Othello.

Montano The governor

of Cyprus, who is to decide

Iago’s fate at the end of

the play.

Bianca A courtesan who

adores Cassio. He does not

reciprocate the affection.

Lodovico Venet ia n

ambassador to Cyprus,

cousin of Desdemona.

Graziano A noble Venetian

who arrives in Cyprus

with Lodovico.

A clown He argues in the

street with Cassio.

Act 1 Act 2

1.3

2.1

1.1

1.3

2.3

Othello is chosen to

lead the Venetian

army to defend

Cyprus against a

Turkish fleet.

Iago reveals to Brabanzio

that Othello has eloped

with Desdemona.

Othello is put on

trial by Brabanzio

and the Venetian

court. Desdemona

and Othello profess

their love for one

another and are

forgiven by all

except Brabanzio.

Cassio gets drunk

and brawls with

Roderigo, for which

he is dismissed from

the army by Othello.

Othello defeats the

Turkish enemies and

is greeted by his new

wife in Cyprus.