Othello by William Shakespeare
"Othello" is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1603. The play revolves around four central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army; his beloved wife, Desdemona; his loyal lieutenant, Cassio; and his trusted ensign, Iago.
Main Characters
- Othello – The protagonist and hero, a Moor commanding the Venetian army.
- Desdemona – Othello’s wife, a beautiful and caring woman.
- Iago – Othello’s ensign (a junior officer) and the villain of the play.
- Cassio – Othello’s loyal lieutenant.
Key Themes
- Jealousy: Explored through Othello's misguided trust in Iago over Desdemona.
- Race and Society: The play highlights racial prejudice and the outsider status of Othello.
- Betrayal: Central to the plot and embodied by Iago’s deceit.