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The protagonist and a celebrated Venetian general. Othello is confident and commanding at the start, but Iago's manipulation exposes deep insecurities about his race, his age, and whether he deserves Desdemona. His arc is a collapse: from respected leader to jealous murderer. He kills himself when he learns the truth, trying to reclaim some dignity.
The antagonist and the engine of the plot. Iago is Othello's ensign, passed over for promotion, and he spends the play taking revenge by destroying Othello from the inside. He is brilliant at reading people and exploiting what they want to believe. He never gives a single clear reason for his hatred, which makes him more frightening.
Othello's wife and the play's moral center. She married Othello for love, against her father's wishes, and stays loyal to him even as he grows violent and accusatory. She advocates for Cassio out of kindness, which Iago weaponizes. She dies protecting Othello's reputation. Her innocence is never in question.
Desdemona's attendant and Iago's wife. Emilia is practical, sharp, and loyal to Desdemona in ways that matter. She unknowingly helps Iago by handing over the handkerchief. When she figures out what happened, she speaks up immediately, even knowing Iago will punish her. He kills her for it.
Othello's lieutenant, the promotion that triggered Iago's revenge. Cassio is well-meaning but gets drunk and causes a brawl, which Iago engineered. He spends most of the play trying to get his position back through Desdemona's help, not knowing that his visits to her are being used as evidence against her.
A wealthy Venetian who is in love with Desdemona and funds Iago's schemes in exchange for promises that Desdemona will eventually be his. He is gullible and easily manipulated. Iago uses him as a tool and kills him in the final act to prevent him from exposing the plan.
Desdemona's father and a Venetian senator. He is furious when he learns about the secret marriage and accuses Othello of using magic to win his daughter. He loses his case before the Duke but delivers a warning to Othello that foreshadows the entire plot.
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