Othello Characters
Every major character in Othello by William Shakespeare, with a portrait, who they are and the chapters they appear in.
OthelloProtagonist · 13 chaptersA celebrated Moorish general in Venetian service, recently married to Desdemona and respected for his leadership.
CassioMajor character · 12 chaptersOthello’s courteous, educated young lieutenant whose promotion sparks Iago’s plot and who becomes an unwitting pawn in jealousy and violence.
DesdemonaMajor character · 12 chaptersBrabantio’s daughter, Othello’s devoted wife whose calm grace and steadfast loyalty contrast with the violence that surrounds her.
IagoAntagonist · 12 chaptersOthello’s ensign who pretends loyalty while scheming to destroy Othello and others for his own gain.
EmiliaMajor character · 10 chaptersIago’s practical, observant wife and Desdemona’s attendant who speaks plainly and protects her lady.
RoderigoMajor character · 8 chaptersA wealthy, lovesick Venetian suitor who pays Iago to help win Desdemona and is easily manipulated.
LodovicoMinor character · 7 chaptersA Venetian noble and kinsman of Brabantio who brings official news from Venice and serves as a sober, public witness.
BiancaMinor character · 6 chaptersA Cypriot courtesan who loves Cassio, proud and playful but quickly becomes jealous and defensive when she feels slighted.
GratianoMinor character · 6 chaptersA steady, well-born Venetian kinsman of Brabantio who appears as a measured presence and later as a witness to the play’s violence and judgment.
BrabantioMajor character · 5 chaptersA respected Venetian senator and Desdemona’s outraged, protective father who accuses Othello of bewitching his daughter.
Duke of VeniceMajor character · 5 chaptersThe measured Venetian magistrate who presides over the council and balances domestic complaint with urgent state business.
MontanoMinor character · 5 chaptersSeasoned governor of Cyprus who keeps order at the garrison and appears as a calm, official presence amid rising chaos.
All chapter summaries ›Characters ›
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