Lecture Notes: Othello by William Shakespeare

Setting and Introduction

Othello
- A Moor from Northern Africa, respected military commander.
- Eloped with Desdemona.
- Summoned by the Duke for military advice regarding Cyprus.
Desdemona
- Daughter of Brabanchio, a Venetian aristocrat.
- Secretly married to Othello.
Brabanchio
- Desdemona's father.
- Disapproves of Desdemona's marriage to Othello.
Iago
- Othello's friend in the army, feels wronged for being passed over for promotion.
- Consumed by jealousy and rage against Othello.
- Plots to ruin Othello.
Cassio
- A Florentine soldier, less experienced than Iago, but promoted over him.
- Good friends with Othello and Desdemona.
- His reputation is ruined by Iago's machinations.
Roderigo
- Rich Venetian, in love with Desdemona.
Emilia
- Iago's wife, unknowingly assists Iago's plot.

Initial Conflict
- Iago and Roderigo inform Brabanchio of the elopement.
- Brabanchio attempts to have Othello jailed.
- Othello and Desdemona justify their love to the Duke.
- Duke gives blessings, Othello is summoned to Cyprus.
Iago's Plot
- Iago reveals his hatred and plots against Othello.
- Convinces Cassio to drink, leads to Cassio's dismissal.
- Manipulates Othello into believing Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio.
The Handkerchief Incident
- Desdemona loses a strawberry embroidered handkerchief (token of love from Othello).
- Emilia finds and gives it to Iago, who plants it in Cassio's room.
- Othello sees the handkerchief as proof of infidelity.
Tragic Climax
- Othello believes Iago's lies over Desdemona's innocence.
- Othello strangles Desdemona in bed.
- Emilia exposes Iago's plot; Iago kills Emilia.
- Othello realizes the truth too late and commits suicide.