Othello: Plot Summary

Introduction

Setting: Venice, during a conflict between the Ottoman Empire and Venice.
Conflict: Turks preparing for war against Venetians, targeting Cyprus or Rhodes.
Main Characters:
- Othello: A Moor from North Africa, successful Venetian general.
- Desdemona: Young Venetian noblewoman, elopes with Othello.
- Rodrigo: Gentleman in love with Desdemona, complains to Iago.
- Iago: Othello's ensign, angry over not being promoted.
- Michael Cassio: Promoted by Othello to lieutenant.

Iago's Deception: Agrees to help Rodrigo court Desdemona for money.
Revealing the Elopement: Iago and Rodrigo expose Desdemona's elopement to her father, Brabantio.
Othello's Summons: Cassio informs Othello of the Duke's message to counter the Turkish attack on Cyprus.
Duke's Decision: Takes Othello's side in the marriage dispute after hearing from Othello and Desdemona.
Brabantio's Acceptance: Forced to accept the marriage of Othello and Desdemona.

Departure to Cyprus: Othello arranges for departure; Desdemona accompanies him.
Arrival on Cyprus: Desdemona, Iago, Emilia, Rodrigo, and Cassio arrive ahead of Othello.
Iago's Plot: Inspired by Cassio taking Desdemona's hand, plans to manipulate Othello.
Turkish Ships Destroyed: Storm eliminates the Turkish threat, leading to celebration.
Cassio's Disgrace: Iago incites Cassio to get drunk and fight, leading to his demotion.
Iago's Manipulation: Suggests Cassio appeal to Desdemona, while planning to incite Othello's jealousy.

Othello's Jealousy: Iago plants suspicion of Desdemona's infidelity with Cassio.
The Handkerchief: Sign of infidelity, used by Iago to prove affair.
Staged Scene: Iago sets up scene to convince Othello of an affair.
Desdemona's Death: Othello, consumed by jealousy, kills Desdemona.