# Duke of Venice — Othello character guide

> Duke of Venice in Othello by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Duke, Duke Senator

**First appearance:** 0004-act-i-scene-iii

## Who they are

The ruler of Venice who presides over the senate.

## Relationships

### [Othello](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/othello_se/characters/othello)

_professional_

The Duke of Venice respects Othello as a valued general and defends his marriage to Desdemona against Brabantio's accusations.

### [Desdemona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/othello_se/characters/desdemona)

_social_

Desdemona appears before the Duke to defend her marriage to Othello, and he supports their union.

### [Othello](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/othello_se/characters/othello)

_professional_

The Duke of Venice respects Othello as a valued general and defends his marriage to Desdemona against Brabantio's accusations.

### [Othello](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/othello_se/characters/othello)

_professional_

The Duke of Venice respects Othello as a valued general and defends his marriage to Desdemona against Brabantio's accusations.

### [Desdemona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/othello_se/characters/desdemona)

_social_

Desdemona appears before the Duke to defend her marriage to Othello, and he supports their union.

### [Desdemona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/othello_se/characters/desdemona)

_social_

Desdemona appears before the Duke to defend her marriage to Othello, and he supports their union.

## In the story

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/othello_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii)

Presides over the Senate hearing, supports Othello, and orders him to Cyprus to counter the Turkish threat.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/othello_se/characters/duke_of_venice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/othello_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/othello_se/characters