Othello by William Shakespeare. Written approximately 1603. Studied at KS3 and GCSE.
Othello is a Black Moorish general in the service of Venice. He has secretly married Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian senator. Iago — Othello's ensign, bitter at being passed over for promotion — plots his destruction. Othello is sent to Cyprus to defend against the Turks. Iago begins manipulating everyone around him, including Roderigo (who loves Desdemona) and Cassio (who got the promotion Iago wanted).
Iago plants the idea in Othello's mind that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. He engineers situations that seem to confirm his suspicions and plants Desdemona's handkerchief (Othello's first gift to her) in Cassio's room. Othello, consumed by jealousy, becomes increasingly violent and erratic. He strikes Desdemona in public.
Iago arranges for Cassio to be attacked. Othello smothers Desdemona in their bed, believing her guilty despite her protestations of innocence. Emilia (Iago's wife) reveals the truth about the handkerchief. Iago kills Emilia. Othello realises his terrible mistake, delivers a final speech, and kills himself. Iago is arrested.