# Othello — Character guide

> Key figures in Othello by William Shakespeare.

- [Othello](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/othello.md): Moorish general in the Venetian army, married to Desdemona.
- [Iago](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/iago.md): Othello's ensign who schemes against him out of jealousy and spite.
- [Desdemona](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/desdemona.md): Othello's wife, a Venetian lady of noble birth.
- [Michael Cassio](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/cassio.md): Othello's lieutenant, a young Florentine soldier.
- [Emilia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/emilia.md): Iago's wife and Desdemona's maid and confidante.
- [Roderigo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/roderigo.md): A wealthy Venetian who is in love with Desdemona.
- [Bianca](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/bianca.md): A courtesan in Cyprus who is in love with Cassio.
- [Lodovico](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/lodovico.md): A Venetian nobleman and kinsman to Brabantio.
- [Gratiano](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/gratiano.md): Brabantio's brother and a Venetian nobleman.
- [Montano](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/montano.md): Othello's predecessor as governor of Cyprus.
- [Duke of Venice](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/duke_of_venice.md): The ruler of Venice who presides over the senate.
- [Clown](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/clown.md): A servant in Othello's household who provides comic relief.
- [Barbara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/barbara.md): Desdemona's mother's maid who died singing the willow song.
- [Marcus Luccicos](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters/marcus_luccicos.md): A gentleman of Venice mentioned in a letter.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/othello_se/characters