Othello characters

Appears from the start

A Venetian gentleman consumed by resentment after Desdemona marries Othello. He pays Iago to help him pursue her and readily accepts Iago's claim that the marriage can be undone.

Also known as Ancient

Appears from the start

Othello's ensign, angered that Cassio received a promotion he wanted. He presents himself to Roderigo as a cynical schemer while continuing to appear loyal to Othello and the other Venetians.

Appears from the start

A Venetian senator and Desdemona's father. Awakened with news of her secret marriage, he assumes she could not have chosen Othello freely and seeks official intervention.

Also known as The Moor

First appears in chapter 2

A respected general in Venetian service and Desdemona's new husband. Calm under Brabantio's accusations, he trusts that his military record and an honest account of the courtship will answer the charge against him.

First appears in chapter 2

Othello's newly promoted lieutenant, a courteous Florentine officer with more theoretical than battlefield experience. His advancement over Iago is one source of Iago's grievance.

First appears in chapter 3

Brabantio's daughter and Othello's wife. She openly confirms that she chose the marriage, balancing affection for her father with a firm declaration of loyalty to her husband.

First appears in chapter 3

The chief magistrate of Venice, presiding over urgent plans to defend Cyprus from a Turkish fleet. He listens to Brabantio's complaint but accepts Desdemona's own account of her marriage.

First appears in chapter 4

Iago's wife and Desdemona's attendant in Cyprus. Practical and outspoken, she accompanies Desdemona on the voyage and has a more skeptical view of relations between husbands and wives than her mistress does.

First appears in chapter 4

The governor of Cyprus before Othello's arrival. He welcomes the Venetian force after the Turkish fleet is destroyed by a storm and treats Cassio as a fellow soldier and friend.

First appears in chapter 10

A woman in Cyprus who loves Cassio and is troubled by his long absences. Cassio treats their relationship casually and asks her to copy embroidery from a handkerchief he has found.

First appears in chapter 11

A Venetian nobleman and Desdemona's kinsman, sent to Cyprus with official letters from the state. His arrival brings the authority and scrutiny of Venice into Othello's increasingly troubled household.

First appears in chapter 14

Brabantio's brother and Desdemona's uncle. He comes to Cyprus with Lodovico and becomes one of the Venetian witnesses to the final crisis.