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

Othello online—the full text