Hatred and Jealousy: Iago's hatred for Othello stems from being passed over for a promotion in favor of Cassio. He seeks to ruin Othello's life by manipulating him into believing Desdemona, Othello's wife, is unfaithful.
Manipulation and Deceit: Iago's manipulations involve deceiving Othello into thinking Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.
Tragic Flaws: Othello's trust in Iago and his own insecurities lead to his downfall.
Race and Prejudice: Othello, a Moor, faces racial prejudice but is respected for his military prowess.
Act 1
Scene 1
Iago and Roderigo: Iago expresses his disdain for Othello, having been passed over for a promotion.
Roderigo and Iago's Scheme: They inform Brabantio of Desdemona's elopement with Othello.
Scene 2
Othello's Defense: Othello defends his marriage to Desdemona before the Senate, which accepts their union.
Scene 3
Plans for Cyprus: Othello is ordered by the Duke to defend Cyprus against the Turks.
Iago's Plan: Iago begins plotting Othello's downfall by manipulating him against Cassio.
Act 2
Scene 1
Arrival in Cyprus: Iago arrives in Cyprus and continues to manipulate Cassio and Othello.
Desdemona's Arrival: Desdemona arrives and is greeted warmly by Cassio, which Iago plans to use against them.
Scene 3
Cassio's Downfall: Iago gets Cassio drunk, leading to a brawl and Cassio's demotion by Othello.
Act 3
Scene 1 & 2
Cassio's Plea: Cassio seeks Desdemona's help to regain Othello's favor.
Scene 3
Iago's Manipulation: Iago plants seeds of doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona's fidelity.
The Handkerchief: Emilia finds Desdemona’s handkerchief and gives it to Iago, who uses it to further incriminate Desdemona.
Act 4
Scene 1
Othello's Jealousy: Iago continues to manipulate Othello, who becomes consumed with jealousy.
Othello Strikes Desdemona: Under Iago’s influence, Othello strikes Desdemona.
Scene 2
Desdemona's Denial: Desdemona denies any wrongdoing, but Othello accuses her of infidelity.
Scene 3
Desdemona's Song: Desdemona sings the "Willow" song, foreshadowing tragedy.
Act 5
Scene 1
Iago's Last Scheme: Iago manipulates Roderigo to attack Cassio, but both are wounded.
Scene 2
Final Tragedy: Othello kills Desdemona out of jealousy.
Truth Revealed: Emilia reveals Iago's deceit. Othello, realizing his mistake, kills himself.
Iago's Fate: Iago is arrested and faces justice for his schemes.
Important Characters
Othello: A Moorish general in the Venetian army. His tragic flaw is his jealousy and trust in Iago.
Desdemona: Othello's wife, falsely accused of infidelity.
Iago: Othello’s ensign who orchestrates Othello’s downfall.
Cassio: Othello's loyal lieutenant, used by Iago to incite jealousy.
Emilia: Iago's wife, who plays a crucial role in unveiling Iago’s treachery.
Roderigo: A Venetian in love with Desdemona, manipulated by Iago.
Conclusion
Tragic Outcome: The play ends in tragedy with the deaths of Desdemona, Othello, and the exposure of Iago's deceit.
Themes: Othello explores themes of jealousy, manipulation, racial prejudice, and the destructive effects of deceit.