Plot Basics
Where is the opening scene of Othello located?
Venice
What personal grievance does Iago claim motivates his revenge against Othello?
Being passed over for promotion and/or there's a rumor he slept with Emilia
Which character does Desdemona turn for comfort when Othello mistreats her?
Emilia
What does Othello do to Desdemona that shocks Lodovico?
Hits her
Why does Roderigo wake Brabantio in the middle of the night?
To tell him Desdemona has eloped with Othello
What natural disaster brings an abrupt end to the Turkish fleet's threat?
A storm
What does Iago pressure Cassio into doing to ruin his reputation?
Drinking heavily
What object, given by Othello to Desdemona, becomes crucial evidence in the play?
The handkerchief
What type of proof does Othello demand before believing Desdemona is unfaithful?
Visual proof
Which compliment that people give Iago is actually inaccurate?
Honest
What important mission does the Duke assign to Othello early in the play?
Defending Cyprus against the Turkish invasion
After Emilia picks up Desdemona's handkerchief and gives it to Iago, what does he plan to do with it?
Plant it in Cassio's lodging/use it as false evidence
What does Desdemona mean when she tells Emilia that Othello is "not my lord"?
He's not acting like himself
What fears or insecurities does Othello express about himself?
His age, race, or lack of social refinement
Who is Bianca, and what role does she play in the story?
Cassio's lover/a courtesan
Which character fatally wounds Roderigo near the end of the play?
Iago
What "evidence" does Iago claim to have regarding Desdemona's betrayal?
Hearing Cassio talk in his sleep about Desdemona and/or seeing Cassio with the handkerchief
How does Emilia's view of marriage differ from Desdemona's?
Emilia is more pragmatic/cynical while Desdemona is idealistic and loyal
What does Othello mean when he compares Desdemona's life to a light he cannot relight?
Once extinguished, he cannot bring her back to life
Who does Cassio unknowingly talk about while Othello watches him with Iago?
Bianca (Othello thinks it's Desdemona)
What ultimately happens to Othello at the end of the play?
He commits suicide
What metaphor does Iago use to describe jealousy to Othello?
A green-eyed monster
Why does Desdemona claim she is responsible for her own death?
To protect Othello/out of loyalty to him even as she dies
What does Othello realize in the moments before his death?
That he was manipulated and killed an innocent woman
Which character openly confronts Iago about dishonesty in Act 5?
Emilia