Othello:


A Moor and a military officer from Venice. Even though he is in his 40s and Desdemona is still a kid, he falls in love with her and marries her. Othello is a strong and competent fighter, but he also has two serious weaknesses that make him a bad guy: jealousy and pride. Othello thinks his manners and words are impolite despite his brilliance.

Desdemona:

Othello's wife is a young Venetian woman of aristocratic descent. Desdemona is almost unbelievably moral, which makes her feel compelled to stand up for Cassio when necessary and speak in front of the audience. She is not the private, reserved, and modest lady Othello wishes she was, and she is more powerful than he realizes.

Cassio:


Othello's lieutenant, even though he has little practical expertise. Othello admires Cassio because he is a slick-talking Venetian courtier who is in many ways the antithesis of Othello. Even though Cassio had only honorable intentions for Desdemona, Othello is made to believe that he and his wife were having an affair.

Iago:

Othello's ensign was overlooked in favor of Cassio for the lieutenant position. Iago is young and cunning; he is already a villain in the play, despite his attempts to justify his conduct by pointing to his wounded pride and Othello's suspected adultery with Emilia. He is immoral, yet he has a good sense of perception and is skilled at tricking people into believing his lies.

Emilia:

Desdemona's maid and  Iago's wife. She is given the responsibility of introducing people to Desdemona, standing at her side at all times, etc. Emilia is unaware of her husband's schemes and his sinister tendencies. She continues to put Desdemona's interests ahead of everyone else even though she unintentionally aids Iago in his betrayal.

Brabantio:


Desdemona's father was a senator and well-known Venetian citizen. Desdemona and Othello's union does not delight him at all, and he cautions Othello that just as her mother betrayed her father, so too might she betray him.

Roderigo:


A Venetian is used by Iago in his schemes because of his desire for Desdemona. Iago offers Roderigo Desdemona's love in exchange for his assistance, but after trying to kill Cassio, Roderigo only obtains a disgraceful end.

Venice's Duke:


Othello's superior and the city's ruler. Despite Desdemona's father's objections, he permits Othello and Desdemona to be together. Othello is also dispatched by the Duke to Cyprus to fight the Moors.

Senators:


Othello is accountable to them and the Duke in matters of war, as are other men of authority in Venice who uphold reason and order. They also support Othello and Desdemona's union.

Bianca:


An often-visited courtesan whom Cassio asks to replicate Desdemona's handkerchief; the discovery of the handkerchief in Cassio's place further implicates Cassio. Because she is a prostitute, Cassio treats her less respectfully than any other female character in the play.

Cyprus's governor, Montano:


At the play's conclusion, passes judgment on Iago, makes observations on the circumstance, and aids in the play's resolution. After Othello dies and Iago is found to be unfit, he serves as damage control and the chief enforcer of law and order in Cyprus.

Gratiano and Lodovico:


Both of these lords, who are related to Desdemona in some way, play their most important roles after her death when they are forced to return to Venice as representatives of that city with tragic news.