1. A Who’s Who guide to
Othello
Othello is one of Shakespeare’s
tragedies.
This mean the hero has a fatal
flaw which leads to his downfall.
Like Macbeth and Romeo and
Juliet, Othello ends with a large
body count!
Thursday 6th June

2. Othello
• General of the Venice army
• Highly respected but not a native –
originally from Africa, known as a
Moor
• Eloquent (Clever speaker) and
powerful figure
• A racial and cultural outsider
• Before the play starts, has secretly
married Desdemona – but her father
doesn’t know this yet!
(Despite his status in the army, being a
Moor means he would not approve)

3. Desdemona
• New bride of Othello
• Young daughter of the
powerful Venice senator
(politician) Brabantio
• Was seduced by Othello’s
heroic war stories
• Her handmaid (Emilia) is
Iago’s wife.

4. Iago
• The villain of the play!
• Othello’s ensign – a senior
soldier: Believes he should
have been made lieutenant on
experience instead of Cassio.
• Hates Othello but the general
considers him trustworthy,
loyal and honest: Often it is
only the audience who know
the truth!
• Tricks and manipulates many of
the other characters –
including his friend Roderigo!

5. Roderigo
• Young, rich and a bit of an
idiot!
• In love with Desdemona –
convinced that if he gives
him all his money, Iago will
help him win Desdemona’s
hand (ie. Gullible)
• Jealous of Othello having
married his dream girl!

6. Michael Cassio
• Othello’s lieutenant
• Highly educated but
young and
inexperienced in
battle
• Cares deeply about
his reputation
• Iago hates Cassio!