Othello

Othello Summary | Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

The scene opens with Roderigo and Iago discussing the marriage of Othello to Desdemona. Roderigo is unhappy about the marriage because he loves Desdemona, and Iago is angry because Othello picked Cassio as his lieutenant instead of picking Iago. Iago sneers that Cassio's military experience is all talk. Iago decides he will pretend to be a faithful servant to Othello in order to use him to promote his own interests.

Roderigo suggests they tell Brabantio, Desdemona's father, about the marriage. They think it will upset him. Together, they go to the window of Brabantio and wake him with loud calls. When Brabantio realizes that it's Roderigo calling, he tells him to go away; Desdemona is not for him. In response, Roderigo and Iago tell Brabantio that his daughter has married Othello. He doesn't believe them at first, but then discovers she is not in her bed.

Iago leaves, telling Roderigo to bring the search party to the inn, where he will be with Othello. Brabantio emerges, shouting for Roderigo to help him capture Desdemona and Othello. He suggests that it would have been better if Roderigo had married her.