Desdemona is the daughter of a wealthy Venetian senator named Brabanzio. She marries Othello, a respected Moorish general in the Venetian army, much to her father's dismay. Iago, who resents Othello and Cassio, devises a plan to make Othello believe Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio by manipulating Othello with lies and misdirection. Overcome with jealousy, Othello smothers Desdemona to death, only realizing too late that she was faithful, as Iago's schemes are revealed. Othello, wracked with guilt, takes his own life.