Othello Summaries.

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Act 1 Scene 1.

On a street in Venice, Italy, Roderigo, a nobleman, and Iago are in the middle of an argument. Roderigo has paid Iago a lot of money to help him win the hand of Desdemona. Yet he has just learned that Desdemona has eloped with Othello, the Moorish (North African) general under whom Iago serves.

Iago assures Roderigo that he hates Othello, and explains that Othello recently passed him over for a promotion to lieutenant despite the fact that he was Othello's ancient (standard bearer) and had the recommendations of three leading men of Venice. Instead, Othello promoted Michael Cassio, a man who in Iago's estimation is just a "spinster" (1.1.23) military theorist with no practical experience in fighting or leading men.

Iago then adds that while he currently pretends to serve Othello, he is in fact just looking out for his own self-interest: "In following him I but follow myself [...] I am not what I am" (1.1.57; 64).

Iago and Roderigo go to the house of Brabantio, a senator and Desdemona's father. They shout from the street that Brabantio has been robbed. Brabantio comes to the window, but at first doesn't believe them because he recognizes Roderigo, whom he has recently told to stop hanging around his house and pursuing Desdemona. But then Iago, who doesn't give his name and whom Brabantio doesn't recognize, graphically describes Othello and Desdemona having sex—he says that "an old black ram is tupping your white ewe" (1.1.88-89), calling Othello a "Barbary House" (1.1.110), and adds that "your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs"(1.1.118).

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Act 1 Scene 2.

At the inn where Othello is lodging, Iago tells Othello that he wanted to stab Roderigo when he hears the things Roderigo was saying about Othello. He also warns Othello that Brabantio is likely to try to legally force a divorce between Othello and Desdemona. Othello seems unconcerned.

Just then, they see a group of men approaching. Iago says it must be Brabantio and advises Othello to go inside. Othello refuses, preferring to face them, saying he has dutifully served the State of Venice and his conscience is clean; he loves Desdemona.

The men turn out to be Cassio and servants of the Duke of Venice, sent to bring Othello to meet with the Duke regarding an urgent military issue in Cyprus.

Iago then mentions to Cassio that Othello has married. But before he can say who Othello has wed, Roderigo along with Brabantio and his men arrive. Brabantio states that Othello must have enchanted Desdemona, or else why would she have gone "to the sooty bosom of such a thing as thou." He orders his men to seize Othello.

Othello is unfazed, tells everyone on both sides to put their arms, and informs Brabantio that he has been called to meet with the Duke on state business. Brabantio decides to accompany Othello to the Duke and air his grievance there.

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Act 1 Scene 3.

The Duke of Venice meets with his senators about a Turkish invasion of Cyprus. They manage to see through a Turkish ploy to make it look as if the Turks will attack Rhodes instead of Cyprus. Then the Duke and the Senators discuss how to repel the Turkish attack on Cyprus.

Othello and Brabantio enter along with their men. Brabantio demands that they cease discussing state business and instead deal with the fact that his daughter has been corrupted by spells and potions so that she would marry a man she would never otherwise have considered. The Duke promises to help Brabantio prosecute the man who has seduced Desdemona, but when he learns that the accused man is Othello, he gives Othello a chance to defend himself.

Othello admits that he married Desdemona. But he denies using any magic to win her love, and says that Desdemona will support his story. They send for her. As they wait for Desdemona to arrive, Othello says that Brabantio used to invite him to his house to hear his life story, with all its dramatic tales of travel, battle, and valour. These stories, Othello says, won Desdemona's love. The Duke comments that he thinks his own daughter might be won over by Othello's story.

Desdemona arrives. Brabantio asks his daughter to whom she owes obedience. Desdemona responds that just as her own mother once had to shift her obedience from her own father to Brabantio, so must she shift her obedience from Brabantio to Othello. At this, Brabantio grudgingly gives up his grievance against Othello, and allows the meeting to turn back to affairs of state.

As discussion turns back to fighting off the Turks, the Duke says that Othello must go to Cyprus to lead its defence. Though the Duke at first suggests that Desdemona stay in Venice with her father, Brabantio, Othello, and Desdemona all object, and the Duke says that she may go with Othello.

Brabantio exits, but not before warning Othello to watch Desdemona-since she disobeyed her father, she might disobey her husband.

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Act 2 Scene 1.

From Cyprus, Montano, the governor of Cyprus, watches as a storm rages at sea. He states that he does not think the Turkish fleet could withstand the storm, and a moment later a gentleman enters with the news that Cassio has arrived, and that on his voyage to Cyprus, Cassio saw that the Turks lost so many ships in the storm that Cyprus need not fear them. Cassio soon arrives himself, and though glad of the defeat of the Turks, he worries that Othello might himself have been lost at sea.

The Venetian ship carrying Desdemona, Iago, Emilia (Iago's wife), and Roderigo is the next to arrive. As soon as they arrive, Desdemona asks after Othello. When she hears that Cassio and Othello's ships lost contact during the storm she worries- but just then Othello's ship is spotted arriving at Cyprus.

As they wait for Othello to arrive, Iago and Desdemona banter. Iago portrays all women, whether beautiful, ugly, smart, or foolish, as gradually deceptive and sex-started. But he also says that a woman with perfect virtue would be boring. Desdemona defends women against him, though she's clearly amused by Iago.

Cassio, courteous as always, takes Desdemona's hand and speaks with her privately for a moment. Iago notices, and says that this little courtesy of Cassio taking Desdemona's hand will be enough of a web to "ensnare as great a fly as Cassio." and strip Cassio of his position as lieutenant.

Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona is bound to tire of Othello, and want instead, someone younger, more handsome, and better-mannered. He says that it is obvious who this man will be- Cassio, whom he describes to Roderigo as a knave and posturer who is always looking out for his own advantage.

In fact, Iago says, Desdemona already loves Cassio, and he asks if Roderigo noticed them touching hands. Roderigo did, but says it was just courtesy. Iago convinces him otherwise, and further advises Roderigo to provoke Cassio into a fight with him that night. He says that the people of Cyprus will then demand that Cassio be replaced, and in the process remove an obstacle that separates Roderigo from Desdemona. Roderigo agrees to do it, and exits.

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Act 2 Scene 2.

A herald reads a proclamation that Othello has called for a night of revelry to celebrate the annihilation of the Turkish fleet as well as his recent marriage.

Act 2 Scene 3.

Othello puts Cassio in charge during the celebration. He instructs Cassio to make sure that the men on guard practice moderation and self-restraint despite the party. Cassio says that Iago knows what to do, but that he will make sure to see to it himself. Othello and Desdemona leave to consummate their marriage.

When Othello and Desdemona are gone, Iago praises Desdemona's beauty while also slyly suggesting that she might be a seductress. Cassio agrees that Desdemona is beautiful, but believes her to be modest.

Iago then turns the conversation to the revels, and tries to convince Cassio to take a drink. Cassio declines, saying he has no tolerance for alcohol. Eventually, Iago convinces Cassio to let in the revellers who are at the door. Cassio exits just to do that.

Alone, Iago addresses the audience; the revellers are Roderigo and three men of Cyprus, who are all touchy about their honour and whom he has made sure to get drunk. Once he has also gotten Cassio drunk, he will create some event that results in Cassio offending the people of Cyprus.

Cassio returns with Montano and other revellers. Cassio, in good spirits, says that they have already forced him to take a drink. The revellers drink and sing. Eventually, Cassio, who is drunk but loudly protesting that he is in fact not drunk, exits offstage.

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Act 3 Scene 1.

Trying to regain Othello's favour, Cassio hires musicians to play beneath his window. But, Othello sends down a clown, or servant, who mocks the musicians and sends them away.

Cassio gives the clown a gold piece, and asks the clown to bring Emilia to him so that he may speak with her. The clown exits and Iago enters. Cassio explains that he sent the clown to get Emilia. Iago says that he will send Emilia down himself, and will also make sure that Othello does not come near so that they will be free to talk. Cassio thanks him for his kindness and honesty. Iago exits.

Emilia enters, and tells Cassio that Othello and Desdemona have been talking about his situation. Desdemona spoke strongly in his favour. Othello responded that because Montano is so powerful and well-liked in Cyprus, he can't simply give Cassio his job back. However, Othello so told Desdemona that he loved Cassio and that he is looking for the earliest opportunity to reinstate him. Even so, Cassio begs Emilia to help him have a brief conversation with Desdemona. Emilia agrees to help him.

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Act 3 Scene 2.

Othello, Iago and a gentleman walk together. Othello gives Iago some letters to send to the Venetian senate, and tells him to meet him on the fortifications. Iago exits. Othello goes to tour the fortifications.

Act 3 Scene 3.

Desdemona, Cassio and Emilia enter. Desdemona assures Cassio that she will help him regain his position. Just then, Othello and Iago enter. Cassio feels so ashamed that he feels unable to talk with Othello, and exits. Othello asks Iago whether it was Cassio who just departed. Iago responds that it seems unlikely because why would Cassio "steal away so guilty-like/seeing your coming?"

When Othello reaches Desdemona, she asks him to reinstate Cassio. Othello promises to do so soon, but won't give a definite time, much to Desdemona's annoyance. Othello says that he will deny her nothing, but asks for some time to himself. Desdemona exits saying "I am obedient."

Othello and Iago are now alone. Iago starts asking vague but leading questions about Cassio, until Othello finally demands that Iago make clear his suspicions. Iago then makes a show of saying that his suspicions must be wrong because Cassio seems so honest, but in the process plants the idea of an affair between Cassio and Desdemona in Othello's mind.

Iago exits. Othello, alone, now voices worry that perhaps it's unrealistic for him to expect Desdemona to love him when he is black, not well mannered and considerably older than she is. He curses marriage and laments that it is the fate of "great ones" to be cuckolded.

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Act 3 Scene 4.

In her quarters, Desdemona send the clown to tell Cassio she has made entreaties on his behalf to Othello, and to ask him to come speak with her.

When the clown exits, Desdemona wonders what has happened to her handkerchief. Emilia, who is also present, says she doesn't know.

Uncomfortable, Desdemona says she doesn't have the handkerchief with her, but that it isn't lost. When Othello demands that she go get it, she tries to change the subject back to Cassio's suit. This enrages Othello, who exits. Emilia wonders if Othello is jealous, then comments on how fickle men are towards women.

Iago and Cassio enter. Cassio asks about his suit, but Desdemona tells him that he must be patient- for some reason Othello seems not himself and her advocacy of Cassio only made Othello angrier. Iago exits, promising to look into Othello's anger.

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Act 4 Scene 1.

Cassio enters while Othello is unconscious from his fit. Iago informs Cassio that this is Othello's second fit in as many days, and though Cassio wants to help advises that it would be better if Cassio stayed away. He adds that he's like to speak with Cassio once Othello is better.

Othello's fit ends after Cassio exits. Iago tells Othello that Cassio passed by during Othello's fit and will soon return to speak with Iago. Iago says that he will get Cassio to talk about the details of his affair with Desdemona, and that Othello should hide and watch Cassio's face during the conversation. Othello hides.

Alone, Iago explains to the audience that he will actually speak with Cassio about Bianca, who's doting pursuit of Cassio never fails to make Cassio break out in laughter. This laughter will drive Othello mad.

The plan works perfectly; as Cassio laughs and gestures, Othello grows more angry. Then Bianca herself enters, again accuses Cassio of having another mistress, throws the handkerchief at him, and exits. Othello recognises the handkerchief. Cassio races after Bianca.

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Act 4 Scene 2.

Othello questions Emilia, who insists that nothing has happened between Desdemona and Cassio. He orders her to go get Desdemona. Othello assumes that Emilia is helping Desdemona in her infidelity.

Emilia returns with Desdemona. Othello sends Emilia outside to guard the door. Othello then says he could have handled any affliction but infidelity. Desdemona denies being unfaithful and asserts both her love and loyalty to Othello. But her denials only make Othello more angry- he calls her a whore, and, after giving Emilia money for guarding the door, storms out.

Desdemona asks Emilia to fetch Iago, whom Desdemona then questions about Othello's behaviour. Emilia thinks that it must be the doing of some "eternal villain" who is looking "to get some office." Iago scoffs at this, and says that Othello is just upset by affairs of state. Trumpets sound, and Emilia and Desdemona exit to go to supper.

Roderigo enters, angry that he still does not have Desdemona despite all the jewels he's given to Iago to pass on to her. He says he is ready to give up his effort and ask her to return his jewels.

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Act 4 Scene 3.

After supper, Othello invites Lodovico on a walk. Before leaving, he orders Desdemona to go directly to bed and to dismiss Emilia. Emilia helps Desdemona prepare for bed. As they discuss Othello, Emilia says that she wishes Desdemona had never met him, but Desdemona responds that she loves him so much that even his bad behaviour has a kind of grace to her. Yet Desdemona's next words is to instruct Emilia to use the wedding bedsheets as a shroud for her should she die. Desdemona then sings a song called "Willow" that she learned from her mother's maid, a woman who's husband went mad and abandoned her.

Desdemona then asks Emilia whether she would commit adultery. Emilia responds that women are just like men, and will cheat on their husbands if their husbands cheat on them. Desdemona responds that she does not want to lean how to emulate bad deeds, but instead how to avoid them. She dismisses Emilia and goes to bed.

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Act 5 Scene 1.

In the street, Iago and Roderigo wait to ambush Cassio as he emerges from his visit to Bianca. Iago convinces Roderigo to make the first attack, and promises to back him up if necessary. In an aside, Iago comments that he wins either way; if Cassio kills Roderigo, he gets to keep Roderigo's jewels; if Roderigo kills Cassio, then there's no danger that Cassio and Othello will ever figure out his plot.

Cassio enters. Roderigo attacks, but Cassio's armour turns away the thrust. Cassio counterattacks, wounding Roderigo. From behind, Iago darts in and stabs Cassio in the leg, then runs away. From a distance, Othello hears Cassio's shouts of pain and believes that Iago has killed Cassio. Moved by Iago's loyalty to him, Othello steels himself to go and kill Desdemona in her bed.

Cassio is carried offstage and Emilia enters. When Iago explains what has happened, Emilia curses Bianca. Bianca responds by saying that he is as honest as Emilia. Emilia curses her again, and then exits, sent by Iago to bring news of what has happened to Othello and Desdemona.

Iago has Bianca arrested, and in an aside to the audience says "this is the night/that either makes me or fordoes me quite."

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Act 5 Scene 2.

Othello enters Desdemona's quarters, holding a candle. Standing over Desdemona as she sleeps, he admires her beauty, kisses her, and is almost moved to let her live- noting that, like a flower, once plucked, she cannot be given "vital growth" again. But, finally resolving to kill her, he moves to do so.

Emilia calls from the doorway. Othello mistakes her calls as noises made by Desdemona, and smothers Desdemona again.

Finally, Othello realises that it is Emilia calling. He draws the curtain back around the bed to hide Desdemona's body. Then he goes to speak with Emilia, expecting her to tell him of Cassio's death. Othello is shocked to learn from Emilia that Cassio killed Roderigo but is himself still alive. Then, suddenly, Desdemona calls out that she has been murdered.

Emilia opens the curtains and to her horror, sees Desdemona, who with her dying breaths says that she is innocent, but then denies that she was murdered and instead says that she committed suicide. Desdemona dies.

Lodovico demands that Iago look upon the destruction he has caused. He notes that Graziano is Othello's heir and says that Cassio is to carry out the execution of Iago. Then he departs to carry the sad news to Venice.