Othello Character
O
Othello
Protagonist
Noble
Commanding
Trusting
Honourable
Othello is the protagonist and a General in the Venetian military. He is a noble Moor whose trust and passion make him susceptible to manipulation. His downfall is driven by jealousy instilled in him by Iago.
D
Desdemona
Supporting
Loyal
Devoted
Innocent
Gentle
Desdemona is Othello's wife and the daughter of the Venetian senator Brabantio. She is a devoted and innocent character whose loyalty to Othello remains steadfast throughout the play.
I
Iago
Antagonist
Jealous
Manipulative
Deceitful
Disloyal
Iago is the primary antagonist and Othello's trusted companion, though he is secretly jealous and disloyal. He masterminds the manipulation of Othello and other characters to serve his own vengeful ends.
C
Cassio
Supporting
Loyal
Honourable
Trustworthy
Devoted
Cassio is Othello's most beloved and loyal Lieutenant. He becomes an unwitting target of Iago's scheming and is used as a pawn to provoke Othello's jealousy.
E
Emilia
Supporting
Pragmatic
Loyal
Outspoken
Perceptive
Emilia is Iago's wife and serves as Desdemona's maidservant. She plays a significant role in the unfolding tragedy, ultimately revealing Iago's treachery.
B
Bianca
Supporting
Devoted
Jealous
Passionate
Vulnerable
Bianca is Cassio's lover. She is drawn into the central conflict through her relationship with Cassio and is used by Iago as part of his manipulative schemes.
B
Brabantio
Supporting
Also known as: Brabanzio
Proud
Protective
Authoritative
Prejudiced
Brabantio is a Venetian senator and the father of Desdemona. He strongly opposes Desdemona's marriage to Othello and appeals to the Duke of Venice to intervene.
R
Roderigo
Supporting
Foolish
Lovesick
Gullible
Weak-willed
Roderigo is described as a characterless Venetian who is in love with Desdemona. He is easily manipulated by Iago, who exploits his infatuation for personal gain.
DO
Duke of Venice
Minor
Authoritative
Diplomatic
Judicious
The Duke of Venice is a minor authority figure who presides over the council that addresses both the Turkish threat and Brabantio's complaint against Othello.
G
Gratiano
Minor
Noble
Familial
Gratiano is Brabantio's brother and a minor character in the play. He appears in the later acts and witnesses the tragic conclusion of events.
L
Lodovico
Minor
Noble
Observant
Composed
Lodovico is Brabantio's kinsman and Desdemona's cousin. He arrives from Venice as a messenger and witnesses the deterioration of Othello's behaviour.
M
Montano
Minor
Dutiful
Respected
Authoritative
Montano is Othello's Venetian predecessor in the government of Cyprus. He is a minor but present figure in the events that unfold on the island.
C
Clown
Minor
Humorous
Servile
Comic
The Clown is a servant who provides brief moments of comic relief in the play. He is a minor character with little impact on the central plot.