“Othello”
William Shakespeare
Plot Summary, Themes & Characters
ACT 1
The play opens in Venice, where Iago, a soldier, is upset with Othello, the Moorish general of
the Venetian army, for promoting Cassio over him. Iago conspires with Roderigo, who is in love
with Desdemona, Othello's wife. They inform Brabantio, Desdemona's father, of her secret
marriage to Othello. Brabantio, enraged, confronts Othello and accuses him of using witchcraft
to win Desdemona’s love.
The Duke of Venice and the Senate intervene, summoning Othello to discuss a Turkish threat to
Cyprus. Othello defends his marriage, explaining how Desdemona fell in love with his stories of
bravery. Desdemona confirms her love for Othello, and the Duke supports their marriage,
sending Othello to Cyprus to defend against the Turks.
DLCNOTES© 2024
William Shakespeare
Plot Summary, Themes & Characters
ACT 1
The play opens in Venice, where Iago, a soldier, is upset with Othello, the Moorish general of
the Venetian army, for promoting Cassio over him. Iago conspires with Roderigo, who is in love
with Desdemona, Othello's wife. They inform Brabantio, Desdemona's father, of her secret
marriage to Othello. Brabantio, enraged, confronts Othello and accuses him of using witchcraft
to win Desdemona’s love.
The Duke of Venice and the Senate intervene, summoning Othello to discuss a Turkish threat to
Cyprus. Othello defends his marriage, explaining how Desdemona fell in love with his stories of
bravery. Desdemona confirms her love for Othello, and the Duke supports their marriage,
sending Othello to Cyprus to defend against the Turks.
DLCNOTES© 2024
