Othello Timeline

Act 1 Scene 1

Iago and Roderigo discuss Othello’s marriage to Desdemona. Iago is angry over being passed over for promotion and plans revenge. They inform Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, accusing Othello of using magic to win her heart.

Act 1 Scene 2

Othello defends his marriage. The Duke and senators respect Othello, and Desdemona confirms her love. They are allowed to stay married.

Act 1 Scene 3

The Duke sends Othello to Cyprus to fight the Turks. Iago begins planting doubts in Othello’s mind about Desdemona’s fidelity.

Act 2

In Cyprus, Othello and Desdemona celebrate the defeat of the Turks. Iago suggests that Desdemona and Cassio are too close. He gets Cassio drunk, leading to a fight and Cassio’s demotion.

Act 2 Scene 2

A herald announces peace. Iago continues to manipulate Othello’s suspicions, using Cassio’s demotion as evidence.

Act 2 Scene 3

Iago encourages Cassio to seek Desdemona’s help, planning to use this interaction to further damage her reputation with Othello.

 

Act 3 Scene 1

Cassio seeks Desdemona’s help to restore his reputation. Iago manipulates Othello, suggesting Desdemona’s kindness is flirtation.

Act 3 Scene 2

Iago uses the handkerchief to further manipulate Othello, feeding his jealousy and doubt about Desdemona’s loyalty.

Act 3 Scene 3

Iago continues fabricating lies about Cassio having the handkerchief, fueling Othello’s rage and growing suspicions.

Act 4 Scene 1

Iago pushes Othello into an emotional breakdown. Othello accuses Desdemona of infidelity over the handkerchief, deciding to kill her and ordering Cassio’s death.

Act 4 Scene 2

Desdemona remains loyal despite Othello’s accusations. Emilia tries to protect her, unaware of Iago’s treachery.

Act 4 Scene 3

Othello prepares to murder Desdemona. Desdemona makes a tragic final statement about her love for Othello.

Act 5 Scene 1

Cassio is attacked by Roderigo and wounded. Iago kills Roderigo to silence him. Cassio survives, and Iago’s manipulations begin to unravel.

Act 5 Scene 2

Othello smothers Desdemona to death, believing her guilty. Emilia reveals Iago’s treachery, exposing his role in the tragedy. Othello, devastated, realizes Desdemona was innocent and attempts suicide but is stopped. Iago is arrested and taken away to face punishment. Othello dies from self-inflicted wounds.