Othello (Shakespeare)
Short summary
Venice and Cyprus, Renaissance period. A Moorish general secretly married a Venetian senator's daughter.
When her father discovered the marriage, he accused Othello of using witchcraft to seduce her. The Duke of Venice summoned them, but the bride defended her choice and love for Othello. The Duke sent Othello to defend Cyprus against Turkish invasion, and his wife accompanied him.
Othello's ensign resented being passed over for promotion in favor of a younger officer. The ensign plotted revenge by making Othello believe his wife was unfaithful with the promoted lieutenant.
Through careful manipulation, the ensign arranged for Othello to see his wife's handkerchief—a treasured gift—in the lieutenant's possession. He fabricated stories of the lieutenant's confessions of love and staged conversations to fuel Othello's jealousy. The ensign's own wife unknowingly aided the plot by stealing the handkerchief.
Consumed by jealousy, Othello smothered his wife in their bed. When the ensign's wife discovered the truth, she exposed her husband's villainy.
’Twill out, ’twill out: I peace!
No, I will speak as liberal as the north:
Let heaven and men and devils, let them all,
All, all, cry shame against me, yet I’ll speak.
Realizing his terrible mistake, Othello stabbed himself and died kissing his murdered wife.
Detailed summary by acts and scenes
Act and scene descriptions are editorial.
Act 1. Iagos revenge begins
Scene 1. Iago reveals his hatred and manipulates Roderigo
On a street in Venice at night, two men engaged in heated conversation. One complained bitterly that the other had known about a certain matter but kept it secret despite their close relationship.
His companion explained that he despised the Moor who had recently promoted someone else to lieutenant instead of him, despite his proven military experience. The chosen officer was merely a theorist with no real battlefield knowledge, while he himself had served at Rhodes and Cyprus.
Iago declared that he followed the Moor only to serve his own purposes, not out of genuine loyalty. He explained his philosophy of self-service, stating that those who appear dutiful while secretly pursuing their own interests possess true wisdom.
For when my outward action doth demonstrate
The native act and figure of my heart
In compliment extern, ’tis not long after
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.
Iago urged Roderigo to wake a senator and inform him that his daughter had eloped. They arrived at the house and began shouting that thieves had broken in. An elderly man appeared at the window, demanding to know the reason for this disturbance.
Iago crudely informed him that a Moor was with his daughter at that very moment. Brabantio initially dismissed them as drunkards, but Roderigo identified himself and explained that his daughter had secretly married the Moor. The senator rushed to check her chamber and discovered she was indeed gone.
Scene 2. Brabantio confronts Othello
On another street, Iago warned the Moorish general that the senator would try to annul his marriage. The general remained confident, stating that his military service to Venice would outweigh any complaints. He revealed that he came from royal lineage and loved his new wife deeply.
Officers arrived with urgent news from the Duke, requiring Othello's immediate presence for a military matter. Shortly after, Brabantio appeared with armed men, accusing Othello of using witchcraft to enchant his daughter. Othello calmly agreed to go with them, and the officer revealed that the Duke had summoned him regarding state business.
Scene 3. Othello defends his marriage and receives orders for Cyprus
In the council chamber, the Duke and senators discussed conflicting reports about a Turkish fleet heading toward Cyprus. A messenger confirmed that the Turks were indeed sailing for Cyprus with a substantial force. When Othello and Brabantio entered, the Duke welcomed the general, needing his military expertise against the Ottoman threat.
Brabantio accused Othello of using spells and potions to seduce his daughter, claiming no maiden would naturally fall in love with someone so different from herself. The Duke promised justice but asked Othello to explain. The general admitted marrying the senator's daughter but denied using any magic, offering to tell the simple story of their courtship.
Othello explained that Brabantio had often invited him to share tales of his adventures. His stories of battles, slavery, redemption, and encounters with exotic peoples fascinated the household. The daughter would listen eagerly whenever household duties permitted. Eventually, she encouraged him to tell his complete story, and through these narratives, she fell in love with him for the dangers he had survived, while he loved her for pitying them.
Desdemona arrived and confirmed her love for Othello. She acknowledged her duty to her father but explained that just as her mother had transferred her primary loyalty to Brabantio, she now owed her greatest duty to her husband. The heartbroken father reluctantly accepted the situation.
The Duke ordered Othello to Cyprus immediately to defend against the Turkish invasion. Othello requested suitable accommodation for his wife during his absence. Desdemona asked to accompany her husband, declaring that she had married him to share his life fully, not to remain idle at home. Othello supported her request, and the Duke agreed. Othello assigned his ancient to escort Desdemona and departed with her.
After they left, Roderigo despaired, threatening to drown himself over his hopeless love for Desdemona. Iago dismissed such talk, urging him to put money in his purse and follow the wars to Cyprus. He predicted that Desdemona's love for the Moor would not last, as their union was too unnatural. Iago convinced Roderigo that if he remained patient and well-funded, he would eventually enjoy Desdemona's favor.
Alone, Iago revealed his true motivations. He suspected that Othello had slept with his wife, and whether true or not, this suspicion was enough to fuel his revenge. He planned to use the handsome lieutenant to make Othello jealous, suggesting an affair between him and Desdemona.
Act 2. Arrival in Cyprus and Cassios downfall
Scene 1. Safe arrival in Cyprus; Iago begins plotting against Cassio
At a seaport in Cyprus, the governor and gentlemen watched the stormy sea. A violent tempest had scattered the Turkish fleet, effectively ending the military threat. News arrived that Cassio had landed safely, though Othello's ship had been separated by the storm. Soon after, another vessel arrived carrying Iago, Desdemona, and Roderigo.
Cassio greeted Desdemona warmly, praising her beauty and expressing hope for Othello's safe arrival. While they waited anxiously, Iago engaged in witty banter with Desdemona and his wife about women's nature. He observed Cassio's courteous behavior toward Desdemona, mentally noting how he could use this courtesy against him.
Othello's ship finally arrived safely. The general and his wife reunited joyfully, expressing their deep love for each other. Othello declared that if he were to die at that moment, he would die perfectly happy. After the couple departed for the castle, Iago began working on Roderigo, convincing him that Desdemona was already in love with Cassio and that Roderigo should provoke the lieutenant into a fight that night.
Alone again, Iago revealed that he suspected Cassio had also slept with his wife. He planned to make Othello believe that Cassio and Desdemona were having an affair, using her own virtue and goodness to destroy them all.
Scene 2. Herald announces celebration
A herald proclaimed that Othello had declared a celebration for the destruction of the Turkish fleet and his recent marriage. All citizens were invited to feast and revel from five o'clock until eleven.
Scene 3. Iago gets Cassio drunk and ruins his reputation
In the castle, Othello instructed Cassio to oversee the guard that night, then retired with Desdemona. Iago arrived and persuaded the reluctant Cassio to drink wine with some Cypriots, despite Cassio's protests that he had poor tolerance for alcohol. Iago's plan was to get Cassio drunk and provoke a quarrel.
After several drinks, Cassio became intoxicated. Iago told Montano that Cassio had a drinking problem that made him unfit for his position. Roderigo then appeared, and the drunk Cassio picked a fight with him. When Montano tried to intervene, Cassio attacked him as well. Iago secretly sent Roderigo to raise an alarm throughout the city.
The commotion brought Othello from his bed. Furious at the disturbance, he demanded an explanation. Iago reluctantly described the fight while appearing to protect Cassio's reputation. Despite this, Othello immediately stripped Cassio of his lieutenancy, declaring that he could no longer trust him as an officer.
After Othello departed, Cassio lamented the loss of his reputation. Iago consoled him, suggesting that reputation was worthless and that Cassio should ask Desdemona to intercede with Othello on his behalf. Cassio agreed to this plan. Once alone, Iago revealed his scheme: while Desdemona pleaded for Cassio, Iago would poison Othello's mind, making him believe that she advocated for Cassio because of an illicit relationship.
So will I turn her virtue into pitch,
And out of her own goodness make the net
That shall enmesh them all.
Act 3. The seeds of jealousy take root
Scene 1. Cassio seeks Desdemonas help
Before the castle, Cassio hired musicians to play for Othello, hoping to win back favor. Iago arrived and promised to help by drawing Othello away so Cassio could speak privately with Desdemona. Emilia appeared and assured Cassio that Desdemona was already advocating for him, though Othello claimed he needed to wait for an appropriate time to reinstate him.
Scene 2. Othello attends to military duties
Othello briefly instructed Iago to deliver letters to the senate and then inspect the fortifications.
Scene 3. Iago plants jealousy in Othellos mind; Emilia steals the handkerchief
In the castle garden, Desdemona promised Cassio she would do everything possible to help him regain his position. As Othello and Iago approached, Cassio departed hastily. Iago seized this opportunity, muttering suspiciously about Cassio's quick exit. When Desdemona immediately began pleading for Cassio's reinstatement, Othello agreed to consider it but asked for time.
After Desdemona left, Iago began his poisonous work. Through careful questions and insinuations, he suggested that Cassio's relationship with Desdemona might be improper. He warned Othello about jealousy while simultaneously planting seeds of suspicion.
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on... O, what damned minutes tells he o’er
Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!
Iago reminded Othello that Desdemona had deceived her father to marry him, suggesting she might deceive her husband as well. He also pointed out that she had rejected many suitable Venetian suitors to marry someone of a different race and culture, implying something unnatural in her choice. Though Othello initially resisted these suggestions, doubt began to take root in his mind.
When Desdemona returned, Othello complained of a headache. She offered to bind his head with her handkerchief, but he pushed it away, and it fell to the ground. After the couple left, Emilia picked up the handkerchief. She revealed that Iago had repeatedly asked her to steal it. When Iago appeared, she gave it to him. He refused to explain why he wanted it and sent her away. Iago planned to plant the handkerchief in Cassio's lodging.
Othello returned, tormented by jealous thoughts. Iago continued his manipulation, claiming he had seen Cassio with Desdemona's handkerchief and describing a dream in which Cassio supposedly spoke of his love for Desdemona. Othello's jealousy transformed into murderous rage. He vowed revenge and knelt, swearing by heaven to punish the guilty. Iago knelt beside him, pledging his service in whatever bloody business Othello required. Othello promoted Iago to lieutenant and commanded him to kill Cassio within three days.
Scene 4. Othello demands the handkerchief from Desdemona
Desdemona sent a servant to find Cassio and tell him she had spoken to Othello on his behalf. When Othello arrived, he asked for the handkerchief he had given her. Desdemona claimed she had it but could not produce it. Othello told her the handkerchief was magical, given to his mother by an Egyptian who said it would keep her husband's love, but losing it would bring disaster. Desdemona, frightened, insisted she had not lost it, but Othello did not believe her. He left angrily, and Desdemona worried that jealousy had seized him.
Act 4. Othellos rage and cruelty escalate
Scene 1. Othello falls into madness; he strikes Desdemona publicly
Iago continued tormenting Othello with suggestions of Desdemona's infidelity. The mental anguish became so intense that Othello fell into an epileptic fit. When Cassio arrived, Iago sent him away, claiming Othello was ill. After Othello recovered, Iago arranged for him to hide and observe while he spoke with Cassio. Iago then questioned Cassio about his mistress, but Othello, watching from a distance, believed they were discussing Desdemona. Cassio's casual manner and laughter convinced Othello of his wife's guilt.
Bianca appeared with the handkerchief, which Cassio had asked her to copy. She accused him of receiving it from another woman. Othello recognized it as the one he had given Desdemona and became convinced of her betrayal. He resolved to kill her that night. Iago offered to handle Cassio's murder himself.
A nobleman from Venice arrived with letters recalling Othello and appointing Cassio as governor of Cyprus. When Desdemona expressed pleasure at this news, Othello struck her publicly. The shocked nobleman could hardly believe this was the same noble Moor renowned throughout Venice. Iago suggested that Othello's behavior was not unusual, further damaging his reputation.
Scene 2. Othello accuses Desdemona; Iago manipulates Roderigo
Othello questioned Emilia about Desdemona's behavior, and she swore her mistress was virtuous and faithful. Nevertheless, Othello confronted Desdemona, calling her a whore and accusing her of infidelity. Desdemona protested her innocence, but Othello refused to believe her. He left her weeping.
Iago arrived and found Desdemona distraught. She could not understand what she had done to deserve such treatment. Emilia suspected that some villain had poisoned Othello's mind with false accusations. Iago pretended sympathy while knowing he was the source of all the misery.
Roderigo confronted Iago, complaining that he had given him jewels to deliver to Desdemona but had received nothing in return. Iago convinced him that if he killed Cassio that night, Othello and Desdemona would be forced to remain in Cyprus, giving Roderigo another chance. Roderigo agreed to the plan.
Scene 3. Desdemonas premonition; the willow song
Othello ordered Desdemona to go to bed and dismiss Emilia for the night. As Emilia helped her prepare for bed, Desdemona felt a dark premonition. She remembered a maid of her mother's who had been forsaken by her lover and died singing a song about a willow. Desdemona sang the same melancholy song, sensing her own doom approaching. She asked Emilia whether she thought women could be unfaithful to their husbands, and Emilia replied that women had the same desires and weaknesses as men.
Act 5. Tragedy and truth revealed
Scene 1. Iago arranges the attack on Cassio; Roderigo is killed
On a dark street in Cyprus, Iago positioned Roderigo to ambush Cassio. When Cassio appeared, Roderigo attacked but only wounded him slightly, as Cassio wore armor. Cassio fought back and wounded Roderigo. Iago then stabbed Cassio in the leg from behind and fled. Othello heard the commotion and, believing Iago had killed Cassio, went to murder Desdemona.
Lodovico and others arrived at the scene. Iago returned with a light, pretending to be shocked by the violence. He stabbed the wounded Roderigo, killing him to prevent him from revealing their conspiracy. Bianca appeared, and Iago accused her of being involved in the attack on Cassio to deflect suspicion from himself.
Scene 2. Othello murders Desdemona; the truth emerges; Othellos suicide
In the bedchamber, Othello stood over the sleeping Desdemona, torn between love and the conviction that she must die. He kissed her, waking her, and told her to pray for forgiveness of any sins. When she asked what she had done, he accused her of giving his handkerchief to Cassio. Desdemona protested her innocence and begged for her life, but Othello smothered her with a pillow.
Emilia arrived with news of the street violence. She heard Desdemona's dying words, in which she claimed to have killed herself and begged Emilia not to blame Othello. However, Othello admitted he had killed her, claiming Iago had told him of her affair with Cassio. Emilia called for help, and Montano, Iago, and others rushed in.
When Emilia learned that Iago had accused Desdemona, she revealed the truth about the handkerchief. She explained that she had found it and given it to her husband at his request. Iago tried to silence her, but she continued speaking. Desperate, Iago stabbed his wife and fled. Emilia, dying, confirmed Desdemona's innocence.
Iago was captured and brought back. Letters found on Roderigo's body revealed the entire conspiracy. Othello, devastated by the realization of what he had done, asked to be remembered as one who loved not wisely but too well. He then stabbed himself and fell upon Desdemona's body.
I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee: no way but this;
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
Lodovico ordered Cassio, now governor, to determine Iago's punishment. The villain refused to speak, maintaining his silence to the end. The tragic scene closed with Othello dead beside his innocent wife, victims of jealousy and manipulation.