Othello, A Tragedy

Act 1: Palace Set - The Duke's Court Iago and Roderigo have started a rumor that Othello won over Desdemona through witchcraft. Before the Duke of Venice, Othello explains that he won Desdemona through his stories of adventure and war. Desdemona confirms this, and insists that she loves Othello.

Act 2: Street Set - A Drunkard's Bar Iago gets Cassio drunk and convinces him to start a fight with a rival officer, Roderigo. Cassio accidentally wounds the Governor, and Othello is summoned. Iago tells Othello that it was Cassio that started the fight, and Othello strips Cassio of his title. Iago then tells Cassio that he should attempt to win over Othello through Desdemona.

Act 3: Palace Set - Royal Chambers Cassio appeals to Desdemona to help him earn Othello's forgiveness. He leaves before Othello returns, however, and Iago uses this to convince Othello that Desdemona has betrayed him with Cassio. Desedemona makes things worse by attempting to convince Othello to forgive Cassio. Iago steals Desdemona's handkerchief and plants it on Cassio.

Act 4: Palace Set - Private Chambers Othello growing suspicious of Desdemona, asks Iago for evidence. Iago suggests that he has seen Cassio with Desdemona's handkerchief. Othello asks Desdemona for her handkerchief, which she confesses that she has lost, and attempts to change the subject by pleading Cassio's case.

Act 5: Palace Set - Private Chambers Othello confronts Desdemona, but does not believe her story. He kills her. After her death, he realizes what has happened and confronts Iago. They duel and both are wounded. The Duke, arriving to see the murder of Desdemona, orders that Othello be taken to Venice for trial and Iago be executed. Othello kills himself with a hidden sword.

Characters (with starting Plots/Parts and Lines):

Cassio - The Knight, Sworn to Othello

"Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial."

"I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking."

Iago - The Commoner, Betrayer of Othello

"Your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs."

"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on."

Desdemona - The Maiden, In Love with Othello "I do perceive here a divided duty."

"Heaven me such uses send, Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend."

Othello - The Ruler, In Love with Desdemona

"Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them."

"Put out the light, and then put out the light."