Othello Plot Summary: Acts One and Two Explained

Act One: Venice and Cyprus Preparations

Iago and Roderigo are present. Roderigo, deeply in love with Desdemona, feels exploited by Iago, who had promised him ways to approach her, but to no avail. Roderigo now confronts Iago about this deception.

Iago, for his part, harbors resentment towards Othello for appointing Cassio as his lieutenant instead of him.

Roderigo warns Brabantio, Desdemona's father, that she has eloped with Othello. Elsewhere, shortly after, Iago tells Othello that he has been several times on the verge of killing Roderigo for speaking ill of Othello.

Cassio arrives to summon Othello to the Venetian Senate, where he is to receive command of an expedition to Cyprus against the Turks. While there, Brabantio falsely accuses Othello of seducing his daughter. However, Othello presents his account, and Desdemona is called to declare whether she followed him of her own free will.

Iago then incites Roderigo to raise money and continue pursuing Desdemona, claiming it is inevitable that she will tire of Othello, her "Moor."

Act Two: Cyprus and Cassio's Downfall

In Cyprus, a storm has destroyed the Turkish fleet, preventing a battle with the Venetians. Cassio has already landed. Othello's ship is expected, carrying Desdemona, Iago, Roderigo, and Iago's wife, Emilia, before another ship arrives. During their wait, a conversation with suggestive allusions to marriage takes place.

Othello arrives and departs with Desdemona. Iago convinces Roderigo that Desdemona is actually in love with Cassio and urges him to cause Cassio's removal from his position as Othello's lieutenant.

Later, in the hall in Cyprus, Iago encourages Cassio to drink. Cassio initially declines but is persuaded to join others, including Montano, who have already been drinking. Iago then incites Cassio to provoke Roderigo, leading Cassio to chase Roderigo. In the ensuing fight, Cassio injures Montano, who had tried to restrain him.

Othello appears, demanding to know the cause of the commotion. Iago's hypocritical statements contribute to Cassio's dismissal from his position as lieutenant.

Left alone with Cassio, Iago convinces him to appeal to Desdemona for reinstatement. Iago then decides that Emilia should also help Cassio in this appeal.