1. Background to Othello

2. Based on a true story

3. Set in Venice, Italy

4. At that time, Venice was a city-state, ruled by a Duke

5. Laws were also made by a body of senators

6. The military was run by a General [Othello]

7. The General’s second in command was a lieutenant [Michael Cassio]

8. The General’s personal servant and third in command was called an Ancient (pronounced “en-sin”) [Iago]

9. Othello is a Moor [a native of North Africa, usually a Muslim]

10. Othello, once a slave, has been accepted into Venetian society and has converted to Christianity

11. As the play begins, Othello has just eloped with Desdemona, the daughter of a senator named Brabantio