A summary of "Othello" by William Shakespeare.

Act1

The setting of this play takes place in Venice. In beginning of the play Iago, a soldier under Othello's command, is arguing with Roderigo, a wealthy Venetian. Roderigo paid Iago a large sum of money to spy on Othello for him. Roderigo wants to take Othello's girlfriend/wife, Desdemona, as his own. Roderigo thinks that Iago has not been telling him enough about Desdemona and that Iago's loyalty is to Othello not him. Iago explains to Roderigo that he hates Othello because Othello promoted Cassio as his officer or lieutenant and not himself as he had expected. Iago and Roderigo decide to cause problems for Othello by informing Brabantio, Desdemona's father, about her relationship with Othello, who is a Moor (an African). This enrages Brabantio, and he sends parties out that night to apprehend Othello. He believes that Othello must have used magic or tricked his daughter into marriage because she would not have gone on her own free will.

From the Library of Congress: TITLE: Thos. W. Keen...

English: Photographic full-length portrait of Edwi...

Othello and Desdemona in Venice, 1850, oil on wood...

When Brabantio and his men find Othello, Othello has been summoned by the Duke of Venice to discuss the problems with Cyprus. Brabantio wants justice for what he believes Othello has done to his innocent daughter and agrees to bring this matter in front of the Duke. The Duke is meeting with several senators discussing the problem with their enemy, the Turks. Brabantio complains to the Duke that Othello has bewitched his daughter and has had intimate relations with her. The Duke allows Othello time to explain his relationship with Desdemona. Othello tells everyone how he wooed Desdemona with his stories of his life. Brabantio does not believe the story, so the Duke sends for Desdemona to tell everything. She confirms everything that Othello had said. The Duke advises Brabantio to accept the marriage and then...