Who’s Who in Othello

Othello—a moor—a black African of royal blood and renowned military skill--he serves Venice (a powerful city-state—think “country”) as military commander.

Desdemona—wife of Othello, daughter of Brabantio

Cassio—Othello’s military second-in-command—his lieutenant

Iago—Othello’s military third-in-command—his ensign or ancient

Emelia—Iago’s wife, friend/help-maid of Desdemona

Roderigo—a gentleman with hopes of winning Desdemona’s heart

Bianca—Cassio’s mistress

Brabantio—a nobleman and leader in Venice, politically powerful, father of Desdemona

Grantiano, Lodovico, Montano—a noblemen