Othello - Act One

Scene One
Open to one Venice eve; Roderigo, a gentleman of the city, talking with Iago. Iago is bitter and jealous, due to Othello naming Cassio his lieutenant. Cassio may be a man of strategy but Iago is seasoned in battle. Iago confesses to Roderigo that he is only in it for himself, a means to his own end. Yet, Roderigo doesn’t see any unsavory beginnings in Iago. Roderigo is in love with Desdemona, daughter of Brabantio and the girl Othello has just run away to marry. Brabantio has no knowledge of the wedding. Iago begins his scheme to undo Othello by convincing Roderigo to wake Brabantio up, screaming that Desdemona is gone. Brabantio is convinced the cries are false until he discovers his daughter is not at home. Roderigo is the one speaking to Brabantio, though Iago hides in the dark yelling out Othello’s intentions towards Desdemona. This sends Brabantio into a state of panic and he calls for a search party. Iago then leaves to avoid being discovered, he doesn’t want anyone to know he betrayed his own leader.

Scene Two
Iago finds Othello and tells him that Roderigo has betrayed him. That Brabantio knows of his marriage to Desdemona and is unhappy about it. Cassio arrives along with Roderigo and Brabantio. Iago take Roderigo aside and threatens him with violent acts. This once again proved his disloyalty to Othello. Othello comes under the wrath of Brabantio, who believes Othello must have bewitched Desdemona and that he wants him prosecuted in the court of the state. Othello responds that the Duke must hear his case and decide in his favor, or something is very rotten in the state of Venice.

Scene Three
There is a report that Turkish ships are on their way to Cyprus to take the island out from under Venetian power. Defences will need to be strengthened and more of the army sent. Othello and Brabantio go before the senators who are talking of this impending battle. Brabantio speaks of his grievance against Othello for marrying his daughter. Othello defends himself by saying, yes he did marry Desdemona, but he stole her heart with stories, not witchcraft. Desdemona has come and confirms the words of her husband. The senators decide that Desdemona should stay with Othello, and deny Brabantio his grievance. Othello is then called away to Cyprus and he asks if Desdemona could come with him. He is granted his wish and Desdemona will stay with Iago until she goes to join him in Cyprus. Roderigo is immensely jealous and upset that Desdemona and Othello are permitted to remain married. Iago assures him that the union will soon crumble and at any moment Desdemona could come running to Roderigo. Iago has a plan to destroy the newlyweds and is using Roderigo as a means of doing so.