Othello

Othello, or The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice is a drama and tragedy by William Shakespeare written c.1603—1604 and first published in 1622. The play’s protagonist, Othello, is a heroic general in the Venetian military who has recently married the beautiful Venetian, Desdemona. Shakespeare created the character of Othello as non-White and non-European. He is manipulated by his jealous ensign, Iago, into suspicion, violence, and a tragic downfall. The play is widely studied, adapted, and performed due to its engagement with race, gender, culture, and the human psyche.