Characters in Othello Anna Howard EDRD 651 June 18 th 2010

List of Characters in Othello Major Characters – Othello Othello – Desdemona Desdemona – Iago Iago – Michael Cassio Michael Cassio Minor Characters – Emilia Emilia – Roderigo Roderigo – Bianca Bianca – Brabazio Brabazio – Duke of Venice Duke of Venice – Montano Montano – Ludovico Ludovico – Graziano Graziano – Clown Clown

Othello General of the armies of Venice A Christian Moor Has insecurities stemming from his age and his race. Marries

Desdemona Othello’s young wife. Daughter of Brabantio Marries Othello without her father’s consent.

Iago Iago resents Othello believing that he should have been made lieutenant rather than Cassio. Harbors a great deal of jealousy towards Cassio. Sets out to get revenge on the other characters because he has been passed over for the promotion. – Does the play fully explore Iago’s reason’s for ruining so many lives?

Michael Cassio Othello’s Lieutenant. – Cassio is very loyal to Othello and Venice Young and inexperienced he is given the position because of his tactical intelligence. He is a friend of Desdemona – Iago uses their friendship to make Othello jealous of Cassio so that he will get rid of him.

Emilia Iago’s wife – Despite this Emilia is very distrusting of Iago though she typically does as he commands her. Desdemona’s attendant and friend – She worries about Desdemona’s decision to accompany her husband.

Roderigo A former suitor of Desdemona – He is frustrated by her marriage to Othello Used by Iago – He frequently gives Iago money and other favors to try and drive a wedge between Othello and Desdemona. – Eventually is convinced to kill Cassio who he sees as a rival for Desdemona’s affection.

Bianca A prostitute in Cyprus Her favorite customer is Cassio He teases her with offers of marriage.

Brabanzio Father of Desdemona A Venetian Senator Formerly a good friend of Othello. – He disagrees with her marriage to Othello

Duke of Venice Official authority in Venice Has great respect for Othello Sends Othello to Cyprus as governor.

Montano Former governor of Cyprus before Othello Recounts the war and it’s effects for the audience.

Lodovico One of Brabanzio’s kinsmen. He acts as a messenger between Venice and Cyprus. – Brings the letter stating that Othello has been replaced by Cassio as governor.

Graziano Another of Brabanzio’s kinsmen Accompanies Lodovico Informs the audience of Brabanzio’s death.

Clown Othello’s servant Serves as comic relief Also plays with words important to the play especially the word “Lie”.