The document summarizes the major characters in Othello: Othello is a respected black general in the Venetian army who is manipulated into jealousy and led to murder his wife Desdemona. Desdemona is a young Venetian woman who falls in love with and marries Othello, defying traditions. Iago is the play's antagonist who is consumed with jealousy and schemes to destroy Othello and Desdemona out of envy over being passed over for a promotion given to Cassio, Othello's young, inexperienced lieutenant.