English IV

Othello
Character
Analysis
Describe the role of each of the following characters from Shakespeares
play, Othello: The Moor of Venice. Who are they? How do they relate to
the other characters? Explain their motivations and the conflicts they are
facing in the play. What is their job? Include any other important
information in your discussion. Your text book should be full of
information for each character.
Othello
Othello is the general of the army in Venice. Othello is known
as a Moor meaning he is from Northern Africa. Othello is
well-respected in the society in which he loves, especially by
the Duke and those in the army. Iago is angry at Othello for
making Cassio lieutenant rather than him. So, Iago has
decided to seek out his revenge and backstab Othello. Othello
is married to Desdemona; this is a big deal because Roderigo
loves her and wanted to marry her, and the couple had to
Desdemona
She is the daughter of Brabantio. By getting approval by the
Duke then her father she married the person she loves,
Othello. She was a daddys girl until she fell in love with
Othello and disappointed her dad. Desdemona is determined
and self-possessed. She is capable of defending her marriage.
She is wanted by more than just her husband Othello.
Iago

Brabantio

Iago is a backstabbing friend. He tried to get Othello to

believe that his wife had an affair with him. Iago is upset with
Othello because he wouldnt give him the promotion he
wanted. Cassio was given the promotion even though he had
little to no experience. Iago believed that he earned the
promotion more than Cassio did. So his way of making Othello
mad is by telling him he got with his wife.

Brabantio is a senator. Hes very protective of his daughter.

Refusing to let his daughter Desdemona, date someone of the
opposite race. She marries Othello anyways because the Duke
makes it okay which means Brabantio has to okay it.
Brabantio and Othello are good friends but not close enough
for Brabantio to let his daughter date him. To try to change

Cassio

Othellos lieutenant. Hes a young inexperienced soldier.

Cassio is appointed governor of Cyprus once Othello dies. Iago
uses Cassios good looks, and friendship with Desdemona to
make Othello jealous.

Roderigo
Roderigo is in love with Desdemona. Hes young, rich and
foolish. Iago helps himself to Roderigos money. Roderigo is
desperate enough to agree to help Iago kill Cassio. When Iago
informs Roderigo that Cassio is a rival for Desdemona.

Duke
The Duke of Venice has a lot of respect for Othello. He
approves of Desdemona and Othellos marriage. As soon as
they marry he separates them by sending Othello to Cyprus.