- Othello: A Moorish general in the Venetian army.
-Desdemona: Othello's wife, the daughter of a Venetian senator.
-Cassio: Othello's lieutenant, a Florentine.
-Iago: Othello's ensign, a Venetian.
-Emilia: Iago's wife and Desdemona's lady-in-waiting.
-Bianca: Cassio's mistress, a courtesan.
-Roderigo: A Venetian gentleman in love with Desdemona.
-Brabanzio: Desdemona's father, a Venetian senator.
-Duke of Venice: The ruler of Venice.