In the opening scene, the cunning Iago reveals an important fact about himself: he will manipulate and deceive if it suits his purpose.

Othello tells Desdemona that the strawberries were hand stitched with thread dyed in the blood of maidens' hearts.

When Desdemona apologizes for crying, Emilia says it doesn't bother her.

When Emilia finds the handkerchief, she gives it to her husband Iago.

Bianca is traditionally regarded as a courtesan, although her occupation is not specifically designated in the text.

Believing his wife to be unfaithful, Othello strangles her in bed.

When Emilia realizes what her husband has done, she exposes him, whereupon he kills her.

One of Brabantio's kinsmen, Lodovico, arrives in Cyprus in Act Four with letters announcing that Cassio is to replace Othello as governor.

Lodovico delivers the final line, lamenting that he must "this heavy act with heavy heart relate".