Who were the venetians in Othello?

In Shakespeare's play "Othello," the Venetians are the governing body of the city-state of Venice, where Othello serves as the general of the Venetian army. The Venetians play a significant role throughout the play, representing the political and social context in which the characters operate.

Here are the key representatives of the Venetians in "Othello":

1. The Doge: The Doge of Venice is the highest-ranking official in the Venetian government and is elected for life. He presides over the Senate and serves as the symbol of Venetian authority.

2. The Senate: The Venetian Senate is a political body composed of noblemen and senators. They are responsible for making important decisions related to the governance of Venice, including military strategy, foreign policy, and lawmaking.

3. Brabantio: Brabantio is a Venetian senator and Othello's predecessor as the general of the Venetian army. He is characterized by his pride and prejudices and becomes Othello's adversary when his daughter, Desdemona, elopes with Othello.

4. Gratiano: Gratiano is a Venetian nobleman and Brabantio's brother. He supports Othello and accompanies him to Cyprus. Gratiano is known for his emotional nature and quick temper.

5. Lodovico: Lodovico is a Venetian nobleman and Othello's superior in the Venetian army. He is sent to Cyprus to investigate the allegations against Othello and ultimately replaces him as the governor of Cyprus.

The Venetians in "Othello" represent the societal values, power structures, and political intrigue of the Venetian society during the Renaissance. They influence the course of events in the play and contribute to the tragic downfall of Othello and Desdemona.