Who Is Roderigo In Act 1

Act 1, Scene 1
Roderigo, a wealthy Venetian, and Iago, a member of the Venetian military, argue. Roderigo complains that Iago is failing to help him in his courtship and is actually on the side of Othello, a man Roderigo despises. Iago frantically reassures him that he hates Othello and tells him that Othello failed to promote him. Instead, Othello promoted a man to lieutenant considered exceptionally unqualified for the position – Michael Cassio. Cassio was skilled in academics and strategy but had little experience in war. Iago is furious with Othello for doing so, especially after he proved himself at the battles of Cyprus and Rhodes. Roderigo calls on Iago to quit, which Iago refuses, claiming he will use his position to undermine Othello’s
A sailor enters and tells yet another conflicting report, stating that the fleet is now approaching Rhodes. A Senator theorizes that the Turks are using Rhodes to distract them from their actual attack in Cyprus. A messenger enters and tells them that the Turks met another fleet on the trip to Rhodes and changed course toward Cyprus. The Duke asks for Marcus Luccious and Othello enters with Roderigo, Iago, and Brabantio. Brabantio tells the Duke that Othello manipulated or charmed his daughter into marriage. Othello argues that he did not force Desdemona into marriage but rather married her out of their shared love. The Duke sends for Desdemona to confirm his account, while Othello says she fell in love with him after hearing his life story – a story filled with redemption, adventure, and danger. The Duke sides with Othello, especially after hearing Desdemona confirm Othello’s claims and say she owes the loyalty of marriage to him. Desdemona’s father accepts. The Duke decides to send Othello to Cyprus in light of the impending attack, because of his knowledge of the area. Desdemona begs to go with Othello in Cyprus. The Duke allows it and the Duke, Senators, and attendants leave, followed by Othello and Desdemona. Roderigo bemoans his inability to gain Desdemona’s marriage. He claims he wishes to drown himself. Iago attempts to comfort him by emphasizing that he
She promises to restore Othello and Cassius to good terms. Othello and Iago enter and Desdemona tells Cassio to stay and hear her speak. Cassio however refuses and leaves. Iago and Othello see Cassio leave and Iago plants seeds of doubts by describing Cassio’s departure as suspicious. Desdemona pleads with Othello to forgive Cassio and call him back. Othello says he will speak with him some other time, though not that day. Desdemona pleads that he speak with him within three days. Othello agrees as he does all that he can to please his wife. He then asks her for a moment alone. She and Emilia leave. Iago begins to exact his plan and implies to Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. Othello begins to believe him. Desdemona and Emilia enter. Othello says he has a pain and Desdemona gives him a handkerchief. He drops it and after he leaves with Desdemona, Emilia takes it for Iago. Iago enters and Emilia gives him the handkerchief. She ask what he plans to do with it and he refuses to tell her. After Emilia leaves, he explains he will plant it in Cassio’s things. Othello enters and complains that Iago has filled him with anxieties. Iago continues to plant worries and says that he saw Cassio use Desdemona’s handkerchief to wipe his beard. He goes as far as to say he slept beside Cassio one night and Cassio called out in his sleep to Desdemona, puckered his lips as though he was kissing her, and wrapped his