Othello

The scene opens with messages that Cyprus is about to be attacked by the Turks of the Ottoman Empire. In the midst of this excitement comes Brabantio to appeal to the Duke for justice at Othello's elopement with Desdemona. He accuses the Moor of seducing his daughter through magical spells and drugs.

Othello, in his defence, denies any use of magic but explains to the assembled dignitaries that Brabantio had often invited him to his house where he questioned him in great eagerness for the stories of his life. These stories encompassed all the vivid imaginings of the Elizabethan era, tales of slavery and cannibalism, descriptions of men whose heads were situated below their shoulders. Desdemona listened to these weird and wonderful stories, and imagined herself involved in them. She even hinted to Othello that she would like to marry such a man as he, a hint that Othello acted upon.

When Desdemona is brought to testify, she professes her loyalty to her father but also her undying love for Othello, whom she refers to as her husband. Brabantio accepts this evidence but his attitude remains niggardly and bitter. Indeed, when it is soon learnt that Othello must immediately depart for Cyprus to command the defence of the island, Brabantio refuses to allow his daughter to return to his house. Instead, Desdemona is granted permission to accompany her husband to the defence of Cyprus.

Othello is to leave for Cyprus that very night but he leaves Desdemona in the care of Iago, who will follow the next day. In the meantime, Roderigo becomes suicidal at the realisation that he has lost Desdemona forever. He is persuaded to follow Othello to Cyprus where Iago promises to hatch a plan to get Desdemona back - for which he will expect handsome payment in return ("put money in your purse").

We eventually learn that Iago plans to persuade Othello that his wife is being unfaithful to him by sleeping with Michael Cassio, the Moor's faithful lieutenant. In this way, Iago believes he will get even with both Othello and Michael Cassio, using Desdemona as the innocent pawn in his evil game.