The plot in six lines
Angry that Othello has chosen Michael Cassio as lieutenant, Iago helps Roderigo alert Brabantio to the secret marriage of Othello and Desdemona.
Before the Duke and senators, Othello explains their love, Desdemona confirms her choice, and Othello is sent to defend Cyprus.
In Cyprus, Iago gets Cassio drunk, a fight costs Cassio his post, and Iago advises him to seek Desdemona's help.
When Desdemona speaks for Cassio, Iago uses her kindness to plant suspicion, and Othello begins to doubt her faithfulness.
After Desdemona drops her handkerchief, Emilia picks it up, and Iago takes this token of love to turn it into false evidence.
Othello kills Desdemona, then learns that Iago has deceived him and takes his own life.
Themes
Jealousy: Othello's growing suspicion shows how fear of losing love can make ordinary encounters seem like evidence of betrayal.
Race and belonging: Othello's position as both a trusted general and an outsider exposes the limits of the respect he receives.
Appearance and reality: Iago's reputation for honesty contrasts with the plans he reveals to the audience, exposing the danger of trusting appearances.
Love and trust: The handkerchief changes from a token of love into supposed proof, showing how deceit can reshape the meaning of intimacy.
Marriage and power: Desdemona's choice of husband and Emilia's blunt comments reveal tensions between women's voices and the authority men claim.
Characters
- OthelloA Moorish general in Venice's service, admired for his skill in war, who has married Desdemona and wants to keep her love and his good name.
- DesdemonaA Venetian senator's daughter who chose Othello freely, and who is loyal, warm and willing to speak up for those she cares about.
- IagoOthello's ensign, who feels wronged by a lost promotion and who hides his hatred behind a reputation for plain honesty.
- Michael CassioThe young officer whom Othello names as his lieutenant, a pleasant man who wants to do his duty and keep his place.
- EmiliaIago's wife and Desdemona's attendant, who speaks bluntly about marriage and is closer to the center of events than she knows.
- RoderigoA wealthy Venetian who hopes to win Desdemona and who gives Iago money and trust, expecting help in return.
For the A level English Literature exams, summer 2027
- The summer 2027 A level exams run from 10 May to 22 June 2027.
- AQA (Literature A): Paper 1 (7712/1), Love through the ages (Shakespeare), Thursday 13 May 2027, morning, 3 hours.
- AQA (Literature B): Paper 1 (7717/1), Aspects of tragedy (Shakespeare), Thursday 13 May 2027, morning, 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Pearson Edexcel: Paper 1 (9ET0/01), Drama (Shakespeare), Thursday 13 May 2027, morning, 2 hours 15 minutes.
- OCR: Paper 1 (H472/01), Section 1 (Shakespeare), Thursday 13 May 2027, morning, 2 hours 30 minutes.
A two-week plan
- Day oneRead the 15-minute summary of Othello from start to finish, then tell the story back to yourself in five sentences.
- Days two to threeA secret marriage and an angry ensign: Notice how Iago uses Roderigo's hope and Brabantio's anger while revealing his own dishonesty to the audience.
- Day fourOthello defends his love before the Duke: Watch how Othello's calm defence and Desdemona's own account establish a marriage that initially appears secure.
- Day fiveCyprus gives Iago his chance: Follow how Iago turns Cassio's disgrace into an opportunity, making harmful advice sound like friendship.
- Day sixA small doubt is planted and grows: Notice how Othello's broken sentences and repetitions register the growing distance between his demand for proof and his suspicions.
- Day sevenThe handkerchief and the people around Iago: Track the handkerchief's movement and consider how unequal knowledge allows an ordinary object to acquire false meaning.
- Day eightWhat the play is about and how it is built: Watch how Iago's direct addresses make the audience know more than the characters, creating dread around their mistakes.
- Day nineThe cast: Othello, Desdemona, Iago, Michael Cassio and Emilia. Write one line on what each of them wants.
- Day tenThemes: Jealousy; Race and belonging; Appearance and reality; Love and trust; Marriage and power. Pick one moment in the story for each.
- Day elevenForm: study how the play is built: its scenes, its speeches and its turning points.
- Day twelvePractice: plan and write an essay on one theme, then read your argument back and test it against the story.
- Day thirteenPractice: try a second question with a different focus, such as a character or the form.
- Day fourteenRecap: reread your notes and the summary, say the plot out loud once, then rest.
From the boards' published specifications and final summer 2027 timetables, read on 23 October 2026. Ask your school which board and papers you sit.
Questions
What is Othello about?
Othello is about a general whose ensign Iago undermines his trust in his wife, Desdemona. The tragedy explores how jealousy and deceit damage love within a world shaped by race and reputation.
Who are the main characters in Othello?
The main characters are Othello, his wife Desdemona, and Iago, the ensign who deceives him. Michael Cassio is Othello's chosen lieutenant, while Emilia is Iago's wife and Desdemona's attendant. Roderigo hopes to win Desdemona, and Brabantio is her angry father.
What are the main themes of Othello?
The main themes are jealousy, trust, deceit, race and belonging, and the gap between appearance and reality. Marriage also becomes a way to explore women's voices and the power men hold over them.
Is Othello a set text for A level English Literature?
Yes. AQA (Literature A) lists it in Paper 1 (7712/1), Love through the ages (Shakespeare). AQA (Literature B) lists it in Paper 1 (7717/1), Aspects of tragedy (Shakespeare). Pearson Edexcel lists it in Paper 1 (9ET0/01), Drama (Shakespeare). OCR lists it in Paper 1 (H472/01), Section 1 (Shakespeare).
When are the A level English Literature exams in 2027?
The summer 2027 A level exams run from 10 May to 22 June 2027. AQA (Literature A): Paper 1 (7712/1), Thursday 13 May 2027, morning. AQA (Literature B): Paper 1 (7717/1), Thursday 13 May 2027, morning. Pearson Edexcel: Paper 1 (9ET0/01), Thursday 13 May 2027, morning. OCR: Paper 1 (H472/01), Thursday 13 May 2027, morning.
