Who Is Roderigo In Act 1
Act 1, Scene 1
Roderigo, a wealthy Venetian, and Iago, a member of the Venetian military, argue. Roderigo complains that Iago is failing to help him in his courtship and is actually on the side of Othello, a man Roderigo despises. Iago frantically reassures him that he hates Othello and tells him that Othello failed to promote him. Instead, Othello promoted a man to lieutenant considered exceptionally unqualified for the position – Michael Cassio. Cassio was skilled in academics and strategy but had little experience in war. Iago is furious with Othello for doing so, especially after he proved himself at the battles of Cyprus and Rhodes. Roderigo calls on Iago to quit, which Iago refuses, claiming he will use his position to undermine Othello’s …show more content…
authority. Outside the home of a woman, Iago tells Roderigo to shout to a woman’s father. They wake him, claiming there are robbers outside. With a series of vulgar euphemisms, they imply to the man, Brabantio, that his daughter, Desdemona, is having sexual relations with Othello, a Moor. Brabantio begins to believe them, after which Iago leaves to return to Othello. Barbantio realizes that his daughter is missing. He questions Roderigo and learns that Othello married his daughter. Roderigo says he believes he knows where Othello and Brabantio’s daughter are and the two leave with other men to find them.
Act 1, Scene 2
Othello talks with Iago and Iago tells Othello about the occurrence with Roderigo and Roderigo’s insults against him. He warns Othello about the power of Brabantio but Othello refuses to listen. He says that he is from noble background himself and truly loves Desdemona. Cassio approaches them. He tells them the Duke is summoning Othello in light of a recent military concern in Cyprus. Othello plans to go with them and Iago is about to tell Cassius who Othello is married to when they are interrupted. Brabantio, Roderigo, and the other men approach and Brabantio viciously condemns Othello for being with his daughter. Brabantio learns that the Duke summoned Othello and decides to go to the Duke also, so the he can hear his case.
Act 1, Scene 3
The Duke and Senators debate the conflicting reports they have received about a Turkish fleet approaching Cyprus.
A sailor enters and tells yet another conflicting report, stating that the fleet is now approaching Rhodes. A Senator theorizes that the Turks are using Rhodes to distract them from their actual attack in Cyprus. A messenger enters and tells them that the Turks met another fleet on the trip to Rhodes and changed course toward Cyprus. The Duke asks for Marcus Luccious and Othello enters with Roderigo, Iago, and Brabantio. Brabantio tells the Duke that Othello manipulated or charmed his daughter into marriage. Othello argues that he did not force Desdemona into marriage but rather married her out of their shared love. The Duke sends for Desdemona to confirm his account, while Othello says she fell in love with him after hearing his life story – a story filled with redemption, adventure, and danger. The Duke sides with Othello, especially after hearing Desdemona confirm Othello’s claims and say she owes the loyalty of marriage to him. Desdemona’s father accepts. The Duke decides to send Othello to Cyprus in light of the impending attack, because of his knowledge of the area. Desdemona begs to go with Othello in Cyprus. The Duke allows it and the Duke, Senators, and attendants leave, followed by Othello and Desdemona. Roderigo bemoans his inability to gain Desdemona’s marriage. He claims he wishes to drown himself. Iago attempts to comfort him by emphasizing that he …show more content…
is in control of his own life and that love is a mere result of biological impulses and wishing. He tells Roderigo that Desdemona will eventually grow tired of Othello once the physical side of their relationship ends and in the meantime, he should focus on himself and make money. They plan to meet in the morning and Roderigo leaves. Iago gives a soliloquy and plans an elaborate scheme to gain power. He wants to get money from Roderigo and manipulate Othello who it is rumored had an affair with his wife. He plans to manipulate Othello by convincing him Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.
Act 2, Scene 1
Montano, the Governor of Cyprus, hears reports of the conditions at sea. There is a storm coming and he assumes that the Turkish fleet was destroyed by it. Much of the Venetian fleet was destroyed in the storm. A ship does arrive however, containing Cassio. Cassio fears for Othello’s safety, as Othello’s ship is nowhere to be seen. Another ship is spotted containing Desdemona, Emilia (Iago’s wife), Iago, Roderigo, and attendants. Othello is still nowhere to be seen and they are fearful, but they spot a ship. As they wait to learn who is aboard the ship, Cassio kisses Emilia and Iago mocks her for constantly talking. Iago then makes several sexist comments about women and their laziness and chattiness. Cassio and Desdemona leave together and Iago plans to tell Othello that they held hands while doing so, as part of his plot to manipulate othello. Othello arrives and joyfully kisses Desdemona. The group leaves to the castle except for Iago and Roderigo. Iago, again as part of his plot, tells Roderigo to start a fight with Cassio as Cassio will challenge his hopes of being with Desdemona. Iago later says in a soliloquy that he plans to have an affair with Desdemona himself. He is eager to destroy Cassio and Othello.
Act 2, Scene 2
A herald enters and announces a celebration that evening, in honor of the destruction of the Turkish fleet and Othello’s marriage.
Act 2, Scene 3
Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and attendants enter. Othello appoints Cassio as the guard for the evening. Othello and Desdemona head to bed. Iago enters. He chats with Cassio about Desdemona’s appeal. He tempts Cassio with drinks but Cassio declines because he has a limited tolerance for alcohol. He eventually drinks which Iago explains was part of a ploy to make him quarrelsome. Cassio quickly becomes drunk and while he is out of the room, Iago tells Montano, the Governor of Cyprus, that he is often drunk. Roderigo enters and a fight soon breaks out between him and Cassio. Cassio hits Roderigo and Montano breaks up the fight. However, Cassio stabs Montano and Montano begins bleeding profusely. Othello enters and Cassio quickly releases his mistake and fervently apologizes. Othello asks Iago who instigated the brawl and Iago, after falsely claiming that he does not want to betray Cassio, essentially admits that Cassio started things. Othello decides to fire Cassio from his position as Lieutenant. Desdemona enters but Othello sends her back to bed and sends Montano to get medical treatment. Iago and Cassio remain and Cassio cries out that his reputation is destroyed. Iago comforts Cassio and recommends that he speak with Desdemona to get back on Othello’s good side. Cassio leaves Iago to keep watch and Iago again discusses his nefarious plot, hoping to use Desdemona’s willingness to help Cassio as a tool to manipulate Othello. Roderigo enters and Iago soothes his worries. In another soliloquy, he describes how he plans to get Othello to watch Cassio reach out to Desdemona.
Act 3, Scene 1
Cassio enters and invites some clowns to provide entertainment. He instructs the Clown to tell Emilia that he hopes to speak with her. Iago tells Cassio how he will have Emilia speak to Desdemona and Cassio is ironically grateful for the help. Emilia enters and speaks with Cassio. She says that it appears that Desdemona is defending his case to Othello but that regaining his position still might be helpless. He begs her to speak personally with Desdemona and she allows him to.
Act 3, Scene 2
Othello gives Iago letters to deliver and then leaves with others to examine Cyprus’ “fortification”, or defense system.
Act 3, Scene 3
Desdemona assures Cassio that she will try to help him.
She promises to restore Othello and Cassius to good terms. Othello and Iago enter and Desdemona tells Cassio to stay and hear her speak. Cassio however refuses and leaves. Iago and Othello see Cassio leave and Iago plants seeds of doubts by describing Cassio’s departure as suspicious. Desdemona pleads with Othello to forgive Cassio and call him back. Othello says he will speak with him some other time, though not that day. Desdemona pleads that he speak with him within three days. Othello agrees as he does all that he can to please his wife. He then asks her for a moment alone. She and Emilia leave. Iago begins to exact his plan and implies to Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. Othello begins to believe him. Desdemona and Emilia enter. Othello says he has a pain and Desdemona gives him a handkerchief. He drops it and after he leaves with Desdemona, Emilia takes it for Iago. Iago enters and Emilia gives him the handkerchief. She ask what he plans to do with it and he refuses to tell her. After Emilia leaves, he explains he will plant it in Cassio’s things. Othello enters and complains that Iago has filled him with anxieties. Iago continues to plant worries and says that he saw Cassio use Desdemona’s handkerchief to wipe his beard. He goes as far as to say he slept beside Cassio one night and Cassio called out in his sleep to Desdemona, puckered his lips as though he was kissing her, and wrapped his
leg around him as though he were Desdemona. Othello is immediately distraught. He declares he will kill Cassio and Iago requests that he avoid killing Desdemona. Iago promises to help him and Othello makes him lieutenant.
Act 3, Scene 4
Desdemona, Emilia, and the Clown enter. Desdemona asks the Clown where Cassio is. She orders him to find him and tell him she told Othello to forgive him. Desdemona asks Emilia where her handkerchief is. Othello enters, trying to act normally. Othello asks for her handkerchief and Desdemona gives him one. He asks for the one he gave her (the one Iago stole), but she explains she does not have it with her. He makes her guilty, describing the deep significance of the handkerchief, including its connection to the success of a marriage. The two then debate, Othello demanding the handkerchief and Desdemona demanding forgiveness for Cassio. He ultimately leaves and Desdemona wonders why he experienced such a character change. Iago and Cassio enter. They learn of Othello’s unpleasant nature and Iago goes to comfort him. Emilia believes Othello is jealous. Desdemona leaves to speak to Othello again about Cassio. Emilia and Desdemona leave and Cassio’s mistress, Bianca, enters. He gives her the handkerchief left in his room by Iago to use the pattern. She reacts with jealousy but he tells her he merely found the article in his room and will spend time with her that evening.
Roderigo, a wealthy Venetian, and Iago, a member of the Venetian military, argue. Roderigo complains that Iago is failing to help him in his courtship and is actually on the side of Othello, a man Roderigo despises. Iago frantically reassures him that he hates Othello and tells him that Othello failed to promote him. Instead, Othello promoted a man to lieutenant considered exceptionally unqualified for the position – Michael Cassio. Cassio was skilled in academics and strategy but had little experience in war. Iago is furious with Othello for doing so, especially after he proved himself at the battles of Cyprus and Rhodes. Roderigo calls on Iago to quit, which Iago refuses, claiming he will use his position to undermine Othello’s …show more content…
authority. Outside the home of a woman, Iago tells Roderigo to shout to a woman’s father. They wake him, claiming there are robbers outside. With a series of vulgar euphemisms, they imply to the man, Brabantio, that his daughter, Desdemona, is having sexual relations with Othello, a Moor. Brabantio begins to believe them, after which Iago leaves to return to Othello. Barbantio realizes that his daughter is missing. He questions Roderigo and learns that Othello married his daughter. Roderigo says he believes he knows where Othello and Brabantio’s daughter are and the two leave with other men to find them.
Act 1, Scene 2
Othello talks with Iago and Iago tells Othello about the occurrence with Roderigo and Roderigo’s insults against him. He warns Othello about the power of Brabantio but Othello refuses to listen. He says that he is from noble background himself and truly loves Desdemona. Cassio approaches them. He tells them the Duke is summoning Othello in light of a recent military concern in Cyprus. Othello plans to go with them and Iago is about to tell Cassius who Othello is married to when they are interrupted. Brabantio, Roderigo, and the other men approach and Brabantio viciously condemns Othello for being with his daughter. Brabantio learns that the Duke summoned Othello and decides to go to the Duke also, so the he can hear his case.
Act 1, Scene 3
The Duke and Senators debate the conflicting reports they have received about a Turkish fleet approaching Cyprus.
A sailor enters and tells yet another conflicting report, stating that the fleet is now approaching Rhodes. A Senator theorizes that the Turks are using Rhodes to distract them from their actual attack in Cyprus. A messenger enters and tells them that the Turks met another fleet on the trip to Rhodes and changed course toward Cyprus. The Duke asks for Marcus Luccious and Othello enters with Roderigo, Iago, and Brabantio. Brabantio tells the Duke that Othello manipulated or charmed his daughter into marriage. Othello argues that he did not force Desdemona into marriage but rather married her out of their shared love. The Duke sends for Desdemona to confirm his account, while Othello says she fell in love with him after hearing his life story – a story filled with redemption, adventure, and danger. The Duke sides with Othello, especially after hearing Desdemona confirm Othello’s claims and say she owes the loyalty of marriage to him. Desdemona’s father accepts. The Duke decides to send Othello to Cyprus in light of the impending attack, because of his knowledge of the area. Desdemona begs to go with Othello in Cyprus. The Duke allows it and the Duke, Senators, and attendants leave, followed by Othello and Desdemona. Roderigo bemoans his inability to gain Desdemona’s marriage. He claims he wishes to drown himself. Iago attempts to comfort him by emphasizing that he …show more content…
is in control of his own life and that love is a mere result of biological impulses and wishing. He tells Roderigo that Desdemona will eventually grow tired of Othello once the physical side of their relationship ends and in the meantime, he should focus on himself and make money. They plan to meet in the morning and Roderigo leaves. Iago gives a soliloquy and plans an elaborate scheme to gain power. He wants to get money from Roderigo and manipulate Othello who it is rumored had an affair with his wife. He plans to manipulate Othello by convincing him Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.
Act 2, Scene 1
Montano, the Governor of Cyprus, hears reports of the conditions at sea. There is a storm coming and he assumes that the Turkish fleet was destroyed by it. Much of the Venetian fleet was destroyed in the storm. A ship does arrive however, containing Cassio. Cassio fears for Othello’s safety, as Othello’s ship is nowhere to be seen. Another ship is spotted containing Desdemona, Emilia (Iago’s wife), Iago, Roderigo, and attendants. Othello is still nowhere to be seen and they are fearful, but they spot a ship. As they wait to learn who is aboard the ship, Cassio kisses Emilia and Iago mocks her for constantly talking. Iago then makes several sexist comments about women and their laziness and chattiness. Cassio and Desdemona leave together and Iago plans to tell Othello that they held hands while doing so, as part of his plot to manipulate othello. Othello arrives and joyfully kisses Desdemona. The group leaves to the castle except for Iago and Roderigo. Iago, again as part of his plot, tells Roderigo to start a fight with Cassio as Cassio will challenge his hopes of being with Desdemona. Iago later says in a soliloquy that he plans to have an affair with Desdemona himself. He is eager to destroy Cassio and Othello.
Act 2, Scene 2
A herald enters and announces a celebration that evening, in honor of the destruction of the Turkish fleet and Othello’s marriage.
Act 2, Scene 3
Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and attendants enter. Othello appoints Cassio as the guard for the evening. Othello and Desdemona head to bed. Iago enters. He chats with Cassio about Desdemona’s appeal. He tempts Cassio with drinks but Cassio declines because he has a limited tolerance for alcohol. He eventually drinks which Iago explains was part of a ploy to make him quarrelsome. Cassio quickly becomes drunk and while he is out of the room, Iago tells Montano, the Governor of Cyprus, that he is often drunk. Roderigo enters and a fight soon breaks out between him and Cassio. Cassio hits Roderigo and Montano breaks up the fight. However, Cassio stabs Montano and Montano begins bleeding profusely. Othello enters and Cassio quickly releases his mistake and fervently apologizes. Othello asks Iago who instigated the brawl and Iago, after falsely claiming that he does not want to betray Cassio, essentially admits that Cassio started things. Othello decides to fire Cassio from his position as Lieutenant. Desdemona enters but Othello sends her back to bed and sends Montano to get medical treatment. Iago and Cassio remain and Cassio cries out that his reputation is destroyed. Iago comforts Cassio and recommends that he speak with Desdemona to get back on Othello’s good side. Cassio leaves Iago to keep watch and Iago again discusses his nefarious plot, hoping to use Desdemona’s willingness to help Cassio as a tool to manipulate Othello. Roderigo enters and Iago soothes his worries. In another soliloquy, he describes how he plans to get Othello to watch Cassio reach out to Desdemona.
Act 3, Scene 1
Cassio enters and invites some clowns to provide entertainment. He instructs the Clown to tell Emilia that he hopes to speak with her. Iago tells Cassio how he will have Emilia speak to Desdemona and Cassio is ironically grateful for the help. Emilia enters and speaks with Cassio. She says that it appears that Desdemona is defending his case to Othello but that regaining his position still might be helpless. He begs her to speak personally with Desdemona and she allows him to.
Act 3, Scene 2
Othello gives Iago letters to deliver and then leaves with others to examine Cyprus’ “fortification”, or defense system.
Act 3, Scene 3
Desdemona assures Cassio that she will try to help him.
She promises to restore Othello and Cassius to good terms. Othello and Iago enter and Desdemona tells Cassio to stay and hear her speak. Cassio however refuses and leaves. Iago and Othello see Cassio leave and Iago plants seeds of doubts by describing Cassio’s departure as suspicious. Desdemona pleads with Othello to forgive Cassio and call him back. Othello says he will speak with him some other time, though not that day. Desdemona pleads that he speak with him within three days. Othello agrees as he does all that he can to please his wife. He then asks her for a moment alone. She and Emilia leave. Iago begins to exact his plan and implies to Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. Othello begins to believe him. Desdemona and Emilia enter. Othello says he has a pain and Desdemona gives him a handkerchief. He drops it and after he leaves with Desdemona, Emilia takes it for Iago. Iago enters and Emilia gives him the handkerchief. She ask what he plans to do with it and he refuses to tell her. After Emilia leaves, he explains he will plant it in Cassio’s things. Othello enters and complains that Iago has filled him with anxieties. Iago continues to plant worries and says that he saw Cassio use Desdemona’s handkerchief to wipe his beard. He goes as far as to say he slept beside Cassio one night and Cassio called out in his sleep to Desdemona, puckered his lips as though he was kissing her, and wrapped his
leg around him as though he were Desdemona. Othello is immediately distraught. He declares he will kill Cassio and Iago requests that he avoid killing Desdemona. Iago promises to help him and Othello makes him lieutenant.
Act 3, Scene 4
Desdemona, Emilia, and the Clown enter. Desdemona asks the Clown where Cassio is. She orders him to find him and tell him she told Othello to forgive him. Desdemona asks Emilia where her handkerchief is. Othello enters, trying to act normally. Othello asks for her handkerchief and Desdemona gives him one. He asks for the one he gave her (the one Iago stole), but she explains she does not have it with her. He makes her guilty, describing the deep significance of the handkerchief, including its connection to the success of a marriage. The two then debate, Othello demanding the handkerchief and Desdemona demanding forgiveness for Cassio. He ultimately leaves and Desdemona wonders why he experienced such a character change. Iago and Cassio enter. They learn of Othello’s unpleasant nature and Iago goes to comfort him. Emilia believes Othello is jealous. Desdemona leaves to speak to Othello again about Cassio. Emilia and Desdemona leave and Cassio’s mistress, Bianca, enters. He gives her the handkerchief left in his room by Iago to use the pattern. She reacts with jealousy but he tells her he merely found the article in his room and will spend time with her that evening.