1. Characters in “Othello”

2. Othello Protagonist Highly respected general Moor
Racially is an outsider

3. What’s a MOOR? Someone of black – African descent
The other characters in the play … “moor” because he’s different.

4. Desdemona Daughter of the Senator Brabantio Pure  innocent
Secretly married to Othello before the play begins

5. Iago / the Joker Othello’s ensign
Obsessive, relentless, bold, arrogant, jealous, and manipulative
THE VILLAIN

6. Michael Cassio Othello’s lieutenant Loyal to Othello
Good looking, youthful, and flirtatious

7. Emilia <3 Iago Iago’s wife Desdemona’s attendant
Cynical (suspicious, distrustful)

8. Roderigo Young, rich, and foolish <3’s Desdemona
Gives all his money to Iago so he can help him win over Desdemona

9. “Othello” Title: Othello Author: William Shakespeare
Type of work: play
Genre: Tragedy
Setting: Time – late 16th century during the wars between Venice and Turkey

10. Act 1 notes before reading
Othello begins on a street in Venice in the midst of an argument between Roderigo and Iago
Roderigo has been paying Iago to help him pursue Desdemona.
Roderigo has just learned Desdemona has married Othello.

11. Iago HATES Othello… why?
What’s the beef???
Iago HATES Othello… why?