Characters
Who is the main character
Othello
a complex, painful emotion triggered by the fear of losing a valued relationship or possession to a third party.
jealousy
"I am not what I am.
(Act 1, Scene 1) - Declaring his duplicitous nature.
Cassio's Demotion
In Cyprus, Iago tricks Cassio into getting drunk, causing a fight and forcing Othello to fire his trusted lieutenant.
To ensure his silence, Iago returns to the scene of the fight, pretending to be outraged, and kills the wounded Roderigo.
Iago Kills Roderigo (Act 5, Scene 1
the villain
lago
a form of underhanded, indirect influence or control used to sway others' emotions, thoughts.
manipulation
"Put money in thy purse."
(Act 1, Scene 3) - Iago advising Roderigo
Murder and Truth
Othello kills Desdemona; Emilia exposes Iago, leading Othello to commit suicide in horror
Roderigo attacks Cassio in the dark as planned, but Cassio wounds him instead. Iago then secretly stabs Cassio in the leg and runs away, abandoning Roderigo.
Roderigo's Failed Ambush and Betrayal (Act 5, Scene 1)
his loyal wife
Emilia
"She loved me for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them."
(Act 1, Scene 3) - Othello on his love for Desdemona.
The Handkerchief Plot
Iago secures Desdemona's handkerchief and places it in Cassio’s room, creating fake "proof" of infidelity.
Despite her pleas of innocence, Othello smothers Desdemona with a pillow in their bedchamber, believing her to be an unfaithful wife.
The Murder of Desdemona (Act 5, Scene 2)
Daughter of Brabantio
Desdemona
the conflict between how things seem on the surface
appearance vs reality
But I do think it is their husbands' faults / If wives do fall.
Emilia (Act 4, Scene 3).
Secret Marriage & Accusations
Othello elopes with Desdemona; Iago and Roderigo inform her father, Brabantio, aiming to destroy Othello.
Emilia arrives, learns what Othello has done, and realizes her husband Iago is the true villain. She reveals that she found the handkerchief and gave it to him, breaking her silence.
Emilia Exposes Iago (Act 5, Scene 2)
A wealthy, foolish Venetian gentleman in love
Roderigo
a preconceived, usually negative, judgment or attitude directed toward people based solely on their race or ethnicity.
racial prejudice
"Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. / Put out the light, and then put out the light.
(Act 5, Scene 2) - Before killing Desdemona.
Othello’s Vow
Driven to insane jealousy, Othello kneels with Iago, promising to kill Desdemona and promoting Iago.
After being exposed, Iago stabs his wife, Emilia, and flees (though he is later caught). Overwhelmed by grief and the truth, Othello stabs himself with a concealed dagger and dies beside Desdemona.
Iago Kills Emilia and Othello Commits Suicide (Act 5, Scene 2):