Characters
Othello
Othello is the protagonist of this tragedy by Shakespeare. He is Shakespeare's first black protagonist among the different plays that Shakespeare has written. Othello is the invited General of Venice, yet, he is a victim of discrimination from the other characters due to his skin colour. At the beginning of the play, he is portrayed as an impervious figure who does not lose his cool, even after being called many disgusting racial names. Despite being seen as an outsider, Othello is a well respected General because of his skill. Later on in the play, Othello's flaws start showing and causes his downfall. His blind trust in Iago results in his jealousy taking over, which turns him into an irrational man. One can argue that Othello is a tragic hero, since his tragic flaw of jealousy is what lead him to his demise.
Iago
Iago is Othello's Ensign (Ancient, or third in command), and also the main antagonist of the play. Angry about the fact that he was not appointed Lieutenant, Iago seeks to make Othello suffer as much as he can. With his duplicitous nature, he is able to easily gain the trust of many characters and manipulate them to do his bidding. It is revealed later on that he is not actually angry at Othello, but just wants to make him suffer. Acting as everyone's good friend and advisor, he successfully pulls off his plans in order to get Othello to distrust Cassio and Desdemona. Iago is successful at pulling the strings behind the scenes, and his ultimate goal of making Othello suffer was reached at the end. He is seen as the mastermind behind it all.
Desdemona
Desdemona is the newly wed wife of Othello. She is shown to be caring, kind, and very loyal to Othello. Desdemona fell in love with Othello after listening to his tragic life stories. She is seen to be very kind to everyone around her, which is taken advantage of by Iago. Desdemona is also very trusting of her servant, Emilia, and the two have a close relationship. When Othello is being aggressive towards Desdemona for the first time, she asks what she has done to upset him. Even after being hit by Othello, she remains loyal to him as his wife, even if knows that he has not done anything wrong.
Cassio
Cassio is the appointed Lieutenant of Venice. It is stated that he is young, charming, and handsome. His polite manners are used against him by Iago, who makes it seem like Cassio is flirtatious. According to Iago, Cassio is more book smart than street smart, which is why Iago deems him unfit for the Lieutenant position. After Cassio loses his position, he seeks Desdemona for help under Iago's advice, which makes it seem like he is having an affair with her. Othello eventually loses trust in Cassio due to Iago's lies.
Emilia
Emilia is the servant of Desdemona, and wife of Iago. She trusts and Desdemona very much, and is constantly wary of Iago. Because she had given the handkerchief to Iago, it had led to the demise of her mistress. She is killed by her very own husband at the very end.
Roderigo
Roderigo is known as the fool, and is deeply infatuated with Desdemona. Throughout the entire play, he get manipulated by Iago in hopes of marrying Desdemona. He is willing to take down anyone who Desdemona may like. Although, he was rejected by Desdemona's father as stated in the beginning.
Brabantio
Bianca
Lodovico
Gratiano
Montano
Duke
A senator of Venice and father of Desdemona.
A prostitute in Cyprus in love with Cassio.
A kinsman of Brabantio and a messenger.
A kinsmen of Brabantio who accompanies Lodovico.
Mayor of Cyprus and friend of Othello.
The important Duke of Venice.