Character guide

Othello

major

Also known as the Moor, brave Moor, the warlike Moor Othello, black Othello

Moorish general in the Venetian army, married to Desdemona.

Iago

major

Also known as honest Iago, good Iago

Othello's ensign who schemes against him out of jealousy and spite.

Desdemona

major

Also known as the gentle Desdemona, sweet Desdemona, the divine Desdemona, the inclining Desdemona

Othello's wife, a Venetian lady of noble birth.

Michael Cassio

major

Also known as Cassio, Lieutenant Cassio, good Cassio

Othello's lieutenant, a young Florentine soldier.

Emilia

supporting

Also known as Desdemona Emilia

Iago's wife and Desdemona's maid and confidante.

Roderigo

supporting

A wealthy Venetian who is in love with Desdemona.

Brabantio

supporting

Also known as Signior Brabantio, Good Brabantio

Desdemona's father, a Venetian senator.

Bianca

supporting

Also known as Sweet Bianca

A courtesan in Cyprus who is in love with Cassio.

Lodovico

supporting

A Venetian nobleman and kinsman to Brabantio.

Gratiano

supporting

Brabantio's brother and a Venetian nobleman.

Montano

supporting

Also known as Signior Montano

Othello's predecessor as governor of Cyprus.

Duke of Venice

minor

Also known as Duke, Duke Senator

The ruler of Venice who presides over the senate.

Clown

minor

A servant in Othello's household who provides comic relief.

Barbara

minor

Also known as poor Barbara

Desdemona's mother's maid who died singing the willow song.

Marcus Luccicos

minor

A gentleman of Venice mentioned in a letter.