Othello: The main character, a Moorish general in the Venetian army.
Desdemona: Othello's wife, a Venetian noblewoman.
Iago: Othello's ensign, a villainous character who plots to destroy Othello.
Cassio: Othello's lieutenant, a noble and honest man.
Bianca: Cassio's mistress.
Roderigo: A Venetian gentleman in love with Desdemona.
Emilia: Iago's wife, Desdemona's attendant.
Montano: The former governor of Cyprus, replaced by Othello.
Ludovico: A nobleman from Venice, sent to Cyprus to investigate Othello's actions.
Brabantio: Desdemona's father, a senator of Venice.
Doge of Venice: The ruler of Venice.
Gratiano: Brabantio's brother and Desdemona's uncle.
Clown: A minor character who serves as a messenger.