Outline of the main characters from Othello by William Shakespeare.

As part of our FREE character profiles for 12 key GCSE texts. We want to help you revise and learn GCSE English and GCSE English Literature to your full potential.

•    Othello: The main character of the play. Othello is General of the Venetian Army and is a Christian Moor. Although a strong character Othello is prey to the jealousy insinuated by Iago and this leads to his downfall.

•    Desdemona: Wife of Othello and Daughter of Venitian Senator Brabanzio. Desdemona and Othello were recently married in secret. As on might expect from a senator’s daughter she is meek but also capable of defending herself.

•    Brabanzio: Father of Desdemona and friend of Othello. A Venetian Senator.

•    Iago: The plays villain and Ensign to Othello. Iago is bitter because Othello did not promote him to lieutenant and so schemes against him through manipulating the other characters.

•    Michael Cassio: Given the position of lieutenant despite his inexperience and youth, much to the chagrin of Iago. Cassio’s youth and good looks are used by Iago to make Otello jealous and insecure. Iago tries to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.

•    Bianca: A prostitute in Cyprus who is very fond of Cassio.

•    Emilia: Iago’s wife and Maid to Desdemona. Emilia really loves Desdemona and distrusts her husband.

•    Roderigo: A rich but foolish young man who is smitten with Desdemona. Easily convinced by Iago to part with his money     and take part in his schemes. It seems Roderigo would do anything to win the affection of Desdemona even agreeing to help kill Cassio.

•    Duke of Venice: The man in charge of Venice. The Duke sends Othello to Cyprus to defend it against the Turks and defends Othello’s secret marriage.

•    Lodovico: Works for Brabanzio. As a messenger between Venice and Cyprus he breaks the news that Othello will be replaced as governor by Cassio.

•    Montano: Othello’s predecessor as governor of Cyprus.

•    Graziano: Works for Brabanzio and accompanies Lodovico to Cypress. Graziano breaks the news of Brabanzio’s death.

•    Clown: Othello’s servant.

Be sure check out our GCSE English Literature learning song, Othello “Throw the Pearl Away”…

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