Othello characters

Appears from the start

Othello's ensign, resentful because Cassio received the lieutenancy he wanted. He tells Roderigo that his outward loyalty is a disguise and begins using the senator's anger over Desdemona's marriage against Othello.

Appears from the start

A wealthy Venetian gentleman in love with Desdemona. Angry that she has married Othello, he funds and follows Iago's schemes in the hope of breaking the marriage.

Appears from the start

A Venetian senator and Desdemona's father. He is awakened with news of her secret marriage and immediately assumes that Othello must have used unlawful means to win her.

Also known as The Moor

First appears in chapter 3

A respected general in Venetian service who has secretly married Desdemona. Calm under Brabantio's accusation, he trusts his military record and Desdemona's own testimony to justify the match.

Also known as Michael Cassio

First appears in chapter 3

Othello's newly appointed lieutenant, a courteous Florentine officer. His promotion over Iago makes him an unsuspecting focus of the ensign's resentment.

Also known as Duke of Venice

First appears in chapter 5

Venice's chief civic authority. Faced with an urgent threat to Cyprus, he calls on Othello to command the defense and hears Brabantio's complaint about the general's marriage.

First appears in chapter 5

Brabantio's daughter and Othello's new wife. Before the Venetian council she states that she chose Othello freely and asks to accompany him to Cyprus rather than remain behind.

First appears in chapter 9

Iago's wife and Desdemona's attendant. She travels with the military party to Cyprus and is familiar with her husband's cynical manner without yet knowing his larger purpose.

First appears in chapter 9

The Venetian official commanding Cyprus before Othello arrives. He welcomes the party after the Turkish fleet is destroyed and joins the island's celebration of safety.

First appears in chapter 24

A woman in Cyprus who has an affectionate relationship with Cassio. She is frustrated by his absences and becomes involved when he asks her to copy the embroidery on a handkerchief he has found.

First appears in chapter 26

A Venetian nobleman and Desdemona's kinsman who arrives in Cyprus with official letters. His visit brings the authority and scrutiny of Venice into Othello's household.

First appears in chapter 31

Brabantio's brother and Desdemona's uncle. He accompanies Lodovico to Cyprus as the Venetian visitors become witnesses to the collapse of Othello's household.