Othello defends himself, mentioning the handkerchief as evidence. Emilia alerts the household, causing Iago and others to come to the scene. He smothers her with a pillow as she asserts her innocence. Othello comes to his sleeping wife's bedroom to murder her as punishment for her supposed adultery. He then enters again as himself to accuse and kill Roderigo for the act of wounding Cassio. In the fight that ensues, Iago goes undetected and wounds Cassio. Still Iago persuades him to attack Cassio that night (again, to be able to court Desdemona). Meanwhile, Roderigo has begun to suspect Iago is not quite the friend he seems. Full of fury, Brabantio goes to the council. The Senate is concerned about the imminent threat of a Turkish invasion fleet on Cyprus. At that moment, officers arrive to summon Brabantio to an urgent meeting of the Senate.

Brabantio angrily summons the militia to arrest Othello. So late at night, Iago and Roderigo wake Brabantio and tell him the news of Desdemona.

He knows Senator Brabantio, Desdemona's father, will dislike having Othello as a son-in-law. Iago urges Roderigo to continue his pursuit of Desdemona. Instead, Othello chose Michael Cassio, leaving Iago only at the low rank of ensign. Iago bears a grudge against Othello for overlooking Iago for a lieutenant position.

One night, he hears from his soldier friend, Iago, that Desdemona has secretly married his General, the Moorish Othello. Othello allows jealousy to consume him, murders Desdemona, and then kills himself.īefore Othello begins, Roderigo has been pursuing Desdemona, a Venetian noblewoman. Iago manipulates Othello into believing his wife Desdemona is unfaithful, stirring Othello's jealousy. Iago is furious about being overlooked for promotion and plots to take revenge against his General Othello, the Moor of Venice. TL DR (may contain spoilers): Iago manipulates literally everyone.

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