The play opens in Venice, where Iago, a bitter and manipulative ensign, expresses his resentment towards Othello, the Moorish general. Iago feels slighted because Othello has promoted Cassio, a young and inexperienced officer, instead of him. Determined to seek revenge, Iago enlists the help of Roderigo, a wealthy but foolish Venetian who is in love with Desdemona, Othello’s wife. Iago manipulates Roderigo into believing that he can win Desdemona’s heart if Othello is removed from the picture.

Iago sets his plan into motion by telling Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, that his daughter has secretly married Othello. Enraged, Brabantio accuses Othello of using witchcraft to seduce Desdemona, but Othello defends himself before the Venetian court. Desdemona publicly declares her love for Othello, and the Duke of Venice supports their union, dismissing Brabantio’s accusations. Soon after, Othello is sent to Cyprus to defend it against an impending Turkish invasion, taking Desdemona, Cassio, and Iago with him.

Once in Cyprus, a storm destroys the Turkish fleet, eliminating the military threat. However, Iago shifts his focus to destroying Othello’s personal life. He carefully manipulates events to make it seem as though Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. First, Iago tricks Cassio into a drunken brawl, leading Othello to demote him. Then, Iago convinces Cassio to seek Desdemona’s help in restoring his reputation. When Desdemona innocently pleads with Othello on Cassio’s behalf, Iago plants seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind, suggesting that Desdemona’s insistence is a sign of infidelity.

As Othello’s jealousy begins to take hold, Iago stages further deceptions. He steals a treasured handkerchief that Othello gave to Desdemona, planting it in Cassio’s lodgings as false evidence. When Othello sees Cassio with the handkerchief, his suspicions turn into certainty. Consumed by jealousy and rage, he vows to kill Desdemona, believing she has betrayed him. Iago, further manipulating the situation, agrees to kill Cassio.

That night, Othello confronts Desdemona, who pleads her innocence, but Othello refuses to believe her. Overwhelmed by his emotions, he smothers her in their bed. Meanwhile, Iago’s plan unravels when his wife, Emilia, who is also Desdemona’s maid, discovers the truth. She exposes Iago’s deception, revealing that the handkerchief was planted and that Desdemona was always faithful. Too late, Othello realizes his tragic mistake. Stricken with grief and guilt, he takes his own life.

In the play’s final moments, Iago is arrested, but his fate remains uncertain. The devastation he has caused is complete, leaving behind a story of love destroyed by lies, honor corrupted by manipulation, and the tragic downfall of a noble man.

Shakespeare’s Othello remains one of his most powerful works, offering a deep exploration of human emotions, the dangers of manipulation, and the irreversible consequences of jealousy. Its timeless themes continue to resonate, making it a cornerstone of literature and drama.