Othello · Character

Desdemona

A Venetian senator's daughter who chose the Moor over her father's house, and whose open-hearted loyalty becomes the play's most vulnerable thing.

major

Also known as the gentle Desdemona, sweet Desdemona, the divine Desdemona, the inclining Desdemona

First appearance: othello

As a major figure in Othello, Desdemona is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as having eloped with Othello; Brabantio laments her disobedience and suspects she was bewitched.

In the storyScene IOpen this moment free

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Desdemona defied Brabantio to marry Othello, and in Cyprus she moves easily among soldiers, governors, and her husband's officers. Her goodness is active rather than passive: she pleads for Cassio, teases Iago, and…

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See Desdemona in othello

Character Web

10 connections

A slice of how Desdemona sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Friendship
Social
Psychological
Other

Character groups

Venetian power and domestic circle
Protagonist

+5 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Iago’s manipulation…

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Relationships

Othello
romantic · positive
Desdemona and Othello are passionately married, but their love is destroyed by jealousy… How this plays out →
Emilia
friendship · positive
Roderigo
social · negative
Iago
psychological · negative
Lodovico
social · ambivalent
Duke of Venice
social · positive
Othello
romantic · positive
Desdemona and Othello are passionately married, but their love is destroyed by jealousy… How this plays out →
Othello
romantic · positive
Desdemona and Othello are passionately married, but their love is destroyed by jealousy… How this plays out →
Iago
psychological · negative
Emilia
friendship · positive
Roderigo
social · negative
Lodovico
social · ambivalent

Othello
Desdemona and Othello are passionately married, but their love is destroyed by jealousy and Iago's lies.
Emilia
Desdemona and Emilia are close confidantes, with Emilia serving as her maid and loyal friend until the tragic end.
Roderigo
Desdemona is the object of Roderigo's unrequited infatuation, which Iago exploits for his own ends.
Iago
Desdemona trusts Iago as an honest friend, but he secretly manipulates her husband into believing she is unfaithful.
Lodovico
Desdemona and Lodovico are acquaintances from Venice, with Lodovico witnessing Othello's abusive treatment of her.
Duke of Venice
Desdemona appears before the Duke to defend her marriage to Othello, and he supports their union.
Othello
Desdemona and Othello are passionately married, but their love is destroyed by jealousy and Iago's lies.
Othello
Desdemona and Othello are passionately married, but their love is destroyed by jealousy and Iago's lies.
Iago
Desdemona trusts Iago as an honest friend, but he secretly manipulates her husband into believing she is unfaithful.
Emilia
Desdemona and Emilia are close confidantes, with Emilia serving as her maid and loyal friend until the tragic end.
Roderigo
Desdemona is the object of Roderigo's unrequited infatuation, which Iago exploits for his own ends.
Lodovico
Desdemona and Lodovico are acquaintances from Venice, with Lodovico witnessing Othello's abusive treatment of her.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Desdemona in othello

In the story

Desdemona appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene I
Mentioned as having eloped with Othello; Brabantio laments her disobedience and suspects she was bewitched.
Scene III
Affirms her love for Othello and requests to accompany him to Cyprus, asserting her divided duty between father and husband.
Scene I
Greets Othello warmly and engages in witty banter with Iago about women and praise.
Scene III
Appears briefly as Othello's gentle love, later targeted by Iago's scheme.
Scene III
Attempts to comfort Othello when he complains of a headache; unknowingly drops the handkerchief.
Scene IV
Pleading for Cassio's reinstatement, confused by Othello's anger, and distressed over the lost handkerchief.
Scene I
Defends Cassio to Lodovico, is struck by Othello, and is ordered to leave.
Scene II
Proclaims her innocence and loyalty, is devastated by Othello's accusations.
Scene III
Sings the Willow Song, expresses premonitions of death, and engages in a debate with Emilia about marital fidelity.
Scene II
Already dead; her innocence is confirmed posthumously.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Desdemona unlock in the free preview.

See Desdemona in othello

See Desdemona in Scene I