After Desdemona and Othello persuade Brabantio that their love is not a result of witchcraft and potion, the Duke of Venice tells Othello that he has to go to Cyprus to defend against the Turks.
Act II, Scene 1
A terrible storm has largely destroyed the Turkish fleet and Montano, the governor of Cyprus, Cassio, Desdemona and others expect the arrival of Othello who finally arrives with his ship in Cyprus. Iago tells Roderigo that he still has a chance with Desdemona but Cassio whom Desdemona could love is in the way. Killing Cassio will leave Desdemona to Roderigo, Iago slyly explains.
Act II, Scene 2
Cyprus, a street. The herald announces that Othello has proclaimed a night of celebration for the victory of the Turks and for his wedding.
Act II, Scene 3
Iago gets Cassio drunk and Cassio gets involved into a hard dispute. Cassio wounds Roderigo and Montano who was trying to break up the fight. Cassio falls from grace with Othello and demotes Cassio from his position as lieutenant. Iago comforts Cassio by suggesting that he should speak with Desdemona who could put in a good word for him.
Act III, Scene 1
Iago’s wife, Emilia, tells Cassio that Othello will soon restore him as lieutenant. But nevertheless, Cassio asks to speak Desdemona alone.
Act III, Scene 2
Othello plans to walk with others on the fortification of the citadel and asks Iago to deliver letters to the Senate.
Act III, Scene 3
Othello is getting eye witness of the meeting of Desdemona and Cassio and so Iago succeeds in convincing Othello that his wife betrays him with Cassio. Desdemona looses her embroidered handkerchief and Iago gets in possession of it and wants to use it as evidence. Iago arranges to place the handkerchief near Cassio’s lodgings where he is certain to find it and takes it as his own.
Act III, Scene 4
Desdemona wonders about Othello’s behaviour and Emilia comments on the irrationality of jealousy.
Act IV, Scene 1
When Othello sees Cassio with the handkerchief in his hands he is assured by Desdemona’s infidelity. Othello is determined to kill Desdemona.
Act IV, Scene 2
Othello questions Emilia about Desdemona but Emilia defends her and thinks that some wretch has put the wrong ideas in his head. But Othello thinks that Emilia is assisting Desdemona in her liaisons. Iago wants Roderigo to kill Cassio to delay the departure of Othello.
Act IV, Scene 3
Othello orders Desdemona to bed to await him later. Desdemona, depressed, recalls a song of a maid who was similarly abused by her husband and sings it.
Act V, Scene 1
Iago persuades Roderigo to kill Cassio for him, but he fails only managing to wound him. Cassio strikes back and wounds Roderigo. Iago rushes past unseen and wounds Cassio in the leg. Othelo arrives at this point and watches from a distance and believes that Iago, his good and honest friend, has killed Cassio. Iago finally kills Rodrigo.
Act V, Scene 2
Othello returns to the castle to kill his wife. Othelo, who still loves his wife, kisses her awake and after more accusations and denials from Desdemona he finally smothers her to death
Emilia tells Othelo the truth about the scheming Iago and the wounded Cassio corroborates her story. Othello wounds Iago, then kills himself. Iago kills Emilia. After Iago is led away, in chains, Cassio becomes governor of Cyprus.