Othello - Act and scene summaries

Act two scene one

They have arrived in Cyprus. It is believed that after a storm, the Turkish fleet has sunk. Othello's ship has not arrived yet, so the others pass the time waiting by listening to Iagos misogynistic rants. After Othello arrives, him and Desdemona are extremely excited to be with one another. Iago tells Roderigo that he noticed the way Cassio looked and spoke about Desdemona and suggested she was possibly having an affair with him. He asked Roderigo to assist him in getting revenge.

Act four scene three

After dinner, Othello orders Desdemona to bed. Desdemona asks Emilia to put on her wedding sheets. She begins to cry and sings the willow song. The women then discuss their different views about infidelity. Desdemona suggests she would never cheat, whereas Emilia would do it if it brought her husband the world.

Act three scene three

Iago and Othello witness Cassio sneak away from Desdemonas bedchamber guiltily. Iago questions whether Othello has ever worried about Cassio, and sparks the question of jealousy. Othello reassures Iago that he isn't jealous, and that there's no reason to be. Later Othello cannot stop thinking about this, and Desdemona tried to comfort him but he pushes her away, dropping her handkerchief in the midst. Emilia spots this and takes the handkerchief to Iago, knowing he had asked for it before. Later, Othello asks Iago for evidence about Desdemona infidelity, and Iago informs him that he had seen Cassio wiping his beard with Othello's handkerchief. Othello is extremely angry.

Act four Scene one

Iago continues to taunt Othello about Desdemona and Cassio so much that it leads him to have a full-blown seizure. Later, Othello listens in on a conversation between Iago and Cassio where they are sexually discussing 'Desdemona' (but really it's Bianca). soon after, Bianca storms in and throw the handkerchief at Cassio accusing him of cheating. Lodovico comes to visit from Venice and reveals that Cassio has been made governor of Cyprus. When Desdemona expresses her happiness about Cassio's promotion, Othello hits her. Othello tells Iago that he wants revenge, and plans to kill them both. Lodovico cannot believe Othello has changed so much.

Act two scene three

Iago requests Cassio drink with everyone else, but Cassio reveals he has a light head for alcohol. This causes Iago to persuade him further. Eventually Cassio gets extremely drunk, and a drunken quarrel begins between Cassio and Roderigo, where Montano is hurt. Othello hears the commotion and asks Iago to reveal what has happened. Iago reveals that Cassio had begun fighting everyone. Othello is furious and fires Cassio. Cassio believe his reputation is ruined. Iago recommended he speak to Desdemona about persuading her to ask Othello to reinstate him.

Act five scene one

Iago sends Roderigo to attack Cassio. He fails, and instead Cassio stabs Roderigo. Iago creeps in too, killing Roderigo and wounding Cassio. Othello hears the cries of pain, and believes Cassio has been killed so heads to Desdemona's bedchamber. Iago then acts like he had not been involved in the attack, and accuses Bianca of attacking them. He sends Emilia to go to Othello with the news.

Act one Scene three

In the court the duke and the senators are discussing plans to protect Cyprus from the Turks. Brabantio interrupts and accuses Othello of bewitching his daughter. Othello defends himself, suggesting Desdemona fell in love with the dangers he had faced. Desdemona later supported his argument. The duke then reveals his plans to dispatch Othello to Cyprus to protect them from the Turks, and Desdemona requests to go too. Later, Iago talks about getting revenge as he believes Othello had slept with his wife Emilia.

Act One Scene Two

Introducing Othello. Othello doesn't appear afraid nor worried about Brabantios threats or insults. Cassio reveals that the Duke wants to see Othello. They all head to the court.

Act three scene two

Othello and Iago leave to inspect the fortifications

Act three scene four

Othello approaches Desdemona and asks her for the handkerchief. Desdemona doesn't know what he is talking about. Othello informs her of its magical powers, and tells her never to loose it. Desdemona says that she hasn't. When he leaves, Emilia wonders whether he is jealous, but Desdemona doesn't believe he has a jealous bone in his body and thinks he is stressed out because of work. Later, Bianca comes and accuses Cassio of neglecting her. Cassio reassures her that he still cares about her, and offers her a handkerchief he had found. He asks her to copy the embroidery.

Act four scene two

Othello questions Emilia about Desdemona infidelity, to which Emilia denies these accusations. Othello calls her a liar, and continues to call Desdemona a "*****". After Othello leaves, Iago walks in and finds Desdemona crying. Iago reassures her that she hasn't done anything wrong, and Emilia believes someone must be manipulating him. After Emilia and Desdemona leave, Roderigo comes and accuses Iago of lying to him. Iago again reassures Roderigo that his plans are coming to fruition very soon.

Act One Scene One

Roderigo and Iago. Iago's plans for revenge are revealed. Brabantio is told that Desdemona has married Othello in secret. Brabantio goes to confront Othello, while Iago tries to mask his true identity as the enemy.

Act five scene two

Othello wakes Desdemona up, and asks her to reveal her sins before he kills her. Desdemona tells Othello that she had never sinned against him. Othello doesn't believe her and suffocates her with a pillow. Emilia enters soon after and sees Desdemona lying motionless. Desdemona protects Othello in her dying breath. Emilia calls for everyone else to enter, and Othello reveals that Desdemona had to be punished for her infidelity. Emilia questions what made Othello believe this, and Othello reveals that it was Iago who had told him. Emilia realises what her husband has done and reveals his manipulation. Iago stabs Emilia, and runs away. Othello is heartbroken and devastated that he had been tricked and harmed his innocent wife. Iago is caught, and returns back to the bedchamber. Othello stabs him, but only wounds him. Iago says he isn't going to talk anymore, and Othello decides to speak. He tells everyone to speak about him honestly, and stabs himself.

Act two scene two

The Herald announces the sinking of the Turkish fleet, and asks everyone to celebrate Othello's marriage.

Act three scene one

The next day, Cassio tries to persuade Othello to reinstate him by bringing a clown and an orchestra to his bedchamber. Emilia reassures Cassio that Othello just needs some time to calm down, and he will definitely reinstate him.