Othello, the Moor: a dark-skinned, African prince who lives in a European, colour-prejudiced society, where he holds the rank of general in the Venetian military. As a professional soldier he has had little experience with women, but his tales of heroics manage to entice Desdemona to become his wife.
Desdemona, Othello's wife and daughter of Brabantio
Iago, Othello's ensign and Emilia's husband, a villain. He hides his real nature under the veil of 'honesty'.
Emilia, Iago's wife and Desdemona's maidservant
Cassio, Othello's lieutenant.
Bianca, Cassio's lover
Brabantio, a Venetian senator, Gratiano's brother, and Desdemona's father
Roderigo, a dissolute Venetian, in love with Desdemona
Duke of Venice, or the "Doge"
Gratiano, Brabantio's brother
Lodovico, Brabantio's kinsman and Desdemona's cousin
Montano, Othello's Venetian predecessor in the government of Cyprus
Clown, a servant
Officers, Gentlemen, Messenger, Herald, Sailor, Attendants, etc.
Musicians
Although eponymously titled, suggesting that the tragedy belongs primarily to Othello, Iago plays an important role in the plot and with that has more lines than the title character. In Othello, it is Iago who manipulates all other characters at will, controlling their movements and trapping them in an intricate net of lies. He achieves this by getting close to all characters and playing on their weaknesses while they refer to him as "honest" Iago, thus furthering his control over the characters.