Othello: Character Profiles

Othello: An accomplished Moorish general in the service of Venice who is noble, yet naively open to manipulation due to his inherent insecurity about his outsider status.
Desdemona: The virtuous and beautiful daughter of a Venetian senator, whose love for Othello leads to tragic consequences.
Iago: Othello’s ensign and the villain of the play, his cunning and manipulative nature leads to the tragic downfall of others.
Cassio: Othello’s loyal lieutenant, whose innocent actions become twisted into evidence of an affair with Desdemona by Iago.
Emilia: Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s attendant who is fiercely loyal but eventually uncovers Iago’s manipulative schemes.
Bianca: A Venetian courtesan in love with Cassio, who is drawn into Iago’s plot due to her relationship with Cassio.
Brabantio: Desdemona’s father who feels betrayed by her secret marriage and warns Othello of her capability of deceit.
Roderigo: A rich and foolish Venetian gentleman manipulated by Iago into helping his schemes against Othello.
Doge of Venice: The ruler of Venice who permits Othello’s marriage to Desdemona and appoints him to defend Cyprus against the Turks.
Minor Characters: Various other figures in the play who help underscore the main themes of jealousy, betrayal, racism, and reputation.