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Othello. 
Othello is the main character in the play. He is a Moor. He is also a general in Venice who stands out due to his accomplishments and his strength. During the play, he is put in charge of defending the island of Cyprus against the Turkish fleet.
Desdemona.
Desdemona is Othello’s wife. Her father, Brabantio, is a senator in Venice. Although her father was not happy with her marriage to Othello she married him anyways. She is sociable, smart, and innocent.
Iago.
Iago is the villain in the play. He works for Othello and is angered when Othello chooses Cassio as his lieutenant. He feels he should be lieutenant. He also has his suspicions that Othello has slept with his wife. Over it, Iago has a crush on Othello’s wife, Desdemona. These reasons help to motivate Iago to create a cunning plot to bring down Othello and Cassio.
Roderigo.
Roderigo is in love with Desdemona. Roderigo also has quite a bit of wealth. Iago uses these two factors to his advantage. Iago is able to use the gullible Roderigo in his scheme against Cassio and Othello.
Michael Cassio.
Cassio is Othello’s right-hand man. Othello gives Cassio the position of lieutenant. He is a noble man who works hard to keep a good reputation. Unfortunately, his reputation is spoiled by Iago’s scheme.
Emilia.
Emilia is Desdemona’s personal maid and caretaker. She helps Desdemona with her everyday chores. Emilia also is the wife of Iago. She helps Iago with his plot against Cassio and Othello.
Bianca.
Bianca is a prostitute who has a fondness for Cassio. She plays a minor role in the play. Without her even knowing it, she becomes an important part in Iago’s scheme.
Brabantio.
Brabantio is a Venetian senator who fathered Desdemona. He is protective of his daughter so much so that he first suspects that Othello used magic to make Desdemona fall in love with him. When it is revealed that Desdemona actually does love Othello by her own free will, Brabantio supports his daughter’s marriage.
Lodovico.
Lodovico is Desdemona’s cousin. He is a man with power in the government. He serves as a mere witness of the tragedies that occur on Cyprus.
Montano.
Montano is the original governor of Cyprus. The most important role he plays is when he is mistakenly injured by Cassio. This occurrence is one of the starting points of Iago’s scheme.
Gratiano.
Gratiano is Desdemona’s uncle. He plays a role similar to Lodovico. He witnesses the chaos that happens on Cyprus because of Iago.
The Duke of Venice.
The Duke serves as the head of the Senate and the army. He listens to Brabantio when Brabantio accuses Othello of wrongfully getting Desdemona to fall in love with him.
OTHELLO -- CHARACTERS
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by William Shakespeare
