- Othello: The title character, a Moorish general in the Venetian army.
- Desdemona: Othello's wife, a beautiful and innocent woman.
- Iago: Othello's ensign, a cunning and villainous man who is jealous of Othello and his success.
- Emilia: Iago's wife and Desdemona's maid, who is loyal to Desdemona and eventually exposes Iago's treachery.
- Cassio: Othello's lieutenant, a noble and honorable man who is falsely accused of adultery with Desdemona.
- Roderigo: A wealthy and foolish gentleman of Venice, in love with Desdemona and used by Iago to further his evil plans.
- The Duke of Venice: The ruler of Venice, a wise and just man.
- Brabantio: Desdemona's father, a Venetian senator who is opposed to her marriage to Othello.
- Lodovico: A kinsman of Brabantio and Othello's superior in the Venetian army.