Act 1: The story begins

In Venice, Iago tells Roderigo that he resents Othello for promoting Cassio instead of him. Iago and Roderigo wake Brabantio with alarming claims that his daughter Desdemona has secretly married Othello. Brabantio accuses Othello of using magic. Later, before the Duke and senators, Othello calmly explains how he and Desdemona fell in love: she listened to stories of his life, and he says, “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them.” Desdemona confirms that she chose Othello. The Duke accepts their marriage, but Othello must leave for Cyprus to defend Venice. At the end of the act, Iago tells Roderigo to follow them and reveals plans to make Othello suspect Cassio is too familiar with Desdemona, exploiting Othello’s trusting nature. Iago admits, “I am not what I am.”