The cast of Othello
The people who make Othello move — what they want, who they love, who they hate, and how each one fits the story. Tap any name to read more.
Father of Desdemonas
Daughter of Brabantio, a Venetian senators
Wife of Iagos
Brabantio's kinsmans
Other characters
Iago
Ancient (ensign) to Othello; master manipulator whose poisonous insinuations destroy the play's tragic hero
Othello
Tragic protagonist—a Moorish general whose private insecurity destroys his capacity to trust · Thirty, in decline
Michael Cassio
Othello's lieutenant, a courtly officer caught between loyalty and survival
Roderigo
A Venetian gentleman hopelessly in love with Desdemona; Iago's dupe and accomplice
Lodovico
Venetian nobleman and messenger of state; arbiter of justice
Duke of Venice
Venetian authority figure and voice of reason; arbiter of law and state interests
Montano
Governor of Cyprus; voice of reason and military honor
Bianca
A courtesan in love with Cassio; unwitting pawn in Iago's schemes
Clown
Comic servant and messenger in Cyprus
First Senator
Venetian statesman and council member
Second Gentleman
Messenger and observer of the storm at Cyprus
Third Gentleman
A Cypriot messenger bearing news of the Turkish fleet
Hear every line of Othello, narrated.
