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.
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
Desdemona
The innocent wife, caught between filial duty and marital love · Young, almost fourteen when married to Othello
Michael Cassio
Othello's lieutenant, a courtly officer caught between loyalty and survival
Emilia
Iago's wife and Desdemona's lady-in-waiting; witness to truth
Roderigo
A Venetian gentleman hopelessly in love with Desdemona; Iago's dupe and accomplice
Brabantio
Venetian senator and Desdemona's father; agent of law undone by passion · Senior (implied)
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
Gratiano
Venetian gentleman and witness to tragedy; Brabantio's kinsman
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.
