Who is Brabantio in the play Othello?

Brabantio is a wealthy senator of Venice and the father of Desdemona. He is a proud man and sees his name as a great source of pride. Brabantio is initially opposed to Desdemona's marriage to Othello, whom he sees as a Moor and barbarian. He believes that Desdemona has been bewitched or tricked into loving Othello and he tries to prevent the marriage from taking place. When his attempts fail, Brabantio becomes bitter and resentful. He disowns Desdemona and refuses to have any further contact with her. Brabantio eventually dies of grief and shame over his daughter's marriage to Othello.