Othello - character summaries

Question 1

Summarise Othello

Answer 1

the Moor, a general in the Venetian army
- starts as a noble, respected general
- in love with Desdemona
- gradually consumed by jealously due to Iago’s manipulation
- takes his own life
- murders Desdemona

Question 2

Summarise Iago

Answer 2

Othello’s ensign and the main antagonist
- feels slighted when passed over for promotion
- manipulates everyone
- motivated by jealously, racism and a thirst for control
- end the play silent

Question 3

Summarise Desdemona

Answer 3

Othello’s wife
- marries against her fathers will
- loyal (dies professing her love for Othello)
- accused of infidelity

Question 4

Summarise Emilia

Answer 4

Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s maid
- initially loyal to Iago
- later exposes him
- murdered for speaking up

Question 5

Summarise Cassio

Answer 5

Othello’s lieutenant
- inexperienced, loyal and honourable
- demoted after a drunken fight
- is a pawn in Iago’s scheme
- survives by the end and chooses what happens to Iago

Question 6

Summarise Brabantio

Answer 6

Desdemona’s father
- feels betrayed by Desdemona’s secret marriage to Othello
- accuses Othello of witchcraft
- dies of grief (OFF-STAGE)