characters

• OTHELLO

  • a general in the Venetian Army
  • tragic hero
  • elevated status at beginning
  • insecure about race and age
  • consumed by jealousy as play progresses
• IAGO

  • othello’s ensign
  • Machiavellian tragic villain
  • Delights in manipulation
• DESDEMONA

  • tragic victim
  • initially determined and outspoken
  • becomes increasingly passive
• EMILIA

  • desdemona’s servant
  • initially submissive
  • becomes more outspoken
• CASSIO

  • Inexperienced in the battle field
  • becomes Othello’s lieutenant
  • accused of having an affair with desdemona
• RODERIGO

  • Gentleman of Venice
  • infatuated with desdemona
  • iago uses him as a pawn in his plans and eventually kills him
• DUKE OF VENICE

  • Allows the marriage between Othello and Desdemona
  • needs Othello to lead the army
• BRABANTIO

  • respected Venetian senator
• MONTANO

  • Original governor of Cyprus
• LODOVICO

  • Related to Brabantio
  • voice of reason in the play
• GRATIANO

  • Related to brabantio
• BIANCA

  • Cypriot courtesan
  • in love with cassio