Othello defends himself before the Duke, Brabantio's kinsmen Lodovico and Gratiano, and various senators, explaining that Desdemona became enamoured of him for the sad and compelling stories he has told of his life before Venice. Brabantio has no option but to accompany him to the Duke's residence, where he accuses the general of seducing Desdemona via witchcraft. News arrives in Venice that the Turks are preparing to attack Cyprus, summoning Othello to advise the senators.

Meanwhile, Brabantio is outraged and will not rest until he has Othello killed, but finds the Moor's residence full of the Duke of Venice's guards, who prevent violence. He then sneaks away to find Othello himself and warn him that his own father-in-law is coming for him. However, Iago has other plans for Othello made in his own advantage, and convinces Roderigo to wake Brabantio and tell him about his daughter's elopement.

The two friends see no progress in this goal, having just learned that Desdemona has already and secretly married Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army whom Iago not only serves as ensign but also hates for giving the title of commander to a younger army man named Cassio, who is considered less capable as a soldier. Othello is a tragedy play written by William Shakespeare during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and first performed in 1604.ĭuring a meeting on a waterway street in Venice, Italy, the wealthy gentleman Roderigo becomes outraged by the incompetence of his friend Iago, whom he has recently paid to help him in his quest to win the heart of the delicate Desdemona, the daughter of Venetian senator Brabantio.

Othello written by william shakespeare