Key Characters GapFill

Othello

Othello is   an Officera Generala Majora Lieutenant in the Venetian army. His origins are described as  MoorishMauritanianTurkishArabic. Early in the play he is noted for his   eloquencedeterminationshynessmanners. He wins Desdemona's heart with his  stories of warbrawneasy charmmodesty.

Iago

Iago is Othello's   valetwater carrierstandard bearertorch bearer in the army. He is bitter and resentful that   MichaelAlbertoRobertoStefano Cassio has been promoted to Othello's second in command or   ConsulBrigadierCaptainLieutenant. He plots revenge on both Othello and Cassio, who he suspects both may be   cuckoldingignoringconspiring againstrobbing him. 

Desdemona

The daughter of Brabantio, a   VenetianItalianCypriotRoman nobleman, Desdemona acts independently of her father's wishes in marrying Othello. This, and her ability to stand up to Iago, reveals a strong character; however, she is more   indifferentunpleasantnonchalantsubmissive where Othello is concerned.

Cassio

Cassio is from a higher social class than   MontanoBrabantioDesdemonaIago and on good terms with Desdemona and Othello at the play's outset. A relatively sympathetic figure, Cassio has an incapacity for alcohol and a tendency towards   chauvinismself-interestself-pitypomposity. By the play's conclusion he has survived Iago and Roderigo's plot to kill him and been appointed the  GeneralGovernorMagistrateAmbassador of Cyprus.

Emilia

Desdemona's maid and Iago's wife, Emilia finds her loyalty torn between them for most of the play. Close to Desdemona, she is more   carefreeraucousworldlypromiscuous than her friend. Prior to exposing Iago, she notes the change in the character of   OthelloBiancaCassioIago as the play progresses.