Characters and Motivations
This manipulative ensign vows revenge against Othello for promoting Michael Cassio over him.
Who is Iago?
Iago and Roderigo awaken Brabantio in the middle of the night to report this secret event
What is the marriage of Desdemona and Othello?
Iago uses this vivid animal metaphor to wake Brabantio, shouting, "An old black ram is topping your..."
What is "...white ewe"?
Brabantio and Iago frequently refer to Othello using this general racial/cultural title rather than his actual name
What is "The Moor"?
This governing body of Venice meets late at night to address the urgent threat of a Turkish invasion
What is the Venetian Senate?
This wealthy Venetian nobleman spends his money on Iago in hopes of winning Desdemona's hand.
Who is Roderigo
Brabantio initially believes Othello must have used these illegal methods to make Desdemona fall in love with him
What are potions, drugs, or witchcraft?
Explaining how he won Desdemona's heart, Othello says, "She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd, and I loved her..
What is "...that she did pity them"?
When Roderigo threatens to drown himself out of heartbreak, Iago repeatedly tells him to do this to prepare his scheme
What is "Put money in thy purse"?
Before Othello enters the Senate, this military leader receives conflicting reports about how many ships are in the Turkish fleet
Who is the Duke of Venice?
This Venetian Senator and father to Desdemona accuses Othello of using witchcraft to win his daughter.
Who is Brabantio
The Duke of Venice summons Othello late at night to discuss an urgent military threat from this empire heading toward Cyprus
Who are the Turks (or Ottoman Empire)?
Desdemona requests to go to Cyprus with Othello, stating, "My downright violence and storm of fortunes may trumpet to the world my heart's..."
What is "...subdued even to the very quality of my lord"?
Iago compares a person's body to a garden and this faculty to the gardener, emphasizing self-control and willpower.
What is the mind (or reason/will)?
The Turkish fleet sends a feint toward this Mediterranean island to trick the Venetians before joining their main force to attack Cyprus
What is Rhodes?
Othello chooses this Florentine mathematician to be his lieutenant, despite his lack of practical battle experience.
Who is Michael Cassio?
Desdemona explains to her father that her loyalty must now be divided, comparing her situation to how her mother chose Brabantio over her own father
What is her "divided duty"?
Dismissing Brabantio's racial prejudice, the Duke tells him, "If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than..."
What is "...black"?
In his closing soliloquy, Iago describes his plan as a "monstrous birth" that must be brought to this place
What is "the world's light"?
Desdemona requests permission to accompany Othello to Cyprus, refusing to stay behind as a useless "moth of..." this
What is "peace"?
Why does Iago hate Othello, and what does he plan to do about it in Act 1, Scene 3?
What is "Iago hates Othello because Cassio was promoted over him
At the end of Act 1, Iago devises a plan to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with this person.
Who is Michael Cassio?
Brabantio gives Othello this chilling warning before leaving the Senate council chamber: "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see..."
What is "...she has deceived her father, and may thee"?
The setting shifts at the end of Act 1 from the civilized city of Venice to this island outpost.
What is Cyprus?
Othello entrusts the safety and transport of Desdemona to this man, calling him "honest" despite his secret villainy
Who is Iago?