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What is a short summary of Shakespeare's Othello?

Othello is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. It was probably written in 1603 and was first performed in 1604. It is based on the 1565 story Un Capitano Moro ("A Moorish Captain") by Cinthio. 


Othello is set in the sixteenth century. The play opens in Venice and concludes in Cyprus. The protagonist of the play is Othello, a Moorish soldier who has been promoted to the rank of General in the Venetian army due to his military skill. He falls in love with Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian noble, and ends up marrying her despite the initial objections of her father.


The antagonist in the play is Iago, of Venetian descent. He is a racist who is prejudiced against Othello. He also resents that Othello has promoted Cassio, a younger man, rather than himself. He plots the downfall of both Cassio and Othello by planting evidence to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Inflamed by jealousy, Othello kills Desdemona, but Iago's plot is revealed. Othello kills himself and Iago, who has killed his wife Emilia, is apprehended for murder. 

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