Lieutenant Michael Cassio
Cassio (left) is being manipulated by Iago (right) to consume more alcohol.
- Cassio is Othello's lieutenant. Cassio is young and inexperience, which is why Iago believes that he should have been appointed as the lieutenant.
- Cassio is a gentleman, which angers Iago but gives him an idea to use it on Othello. Since Cassio shows great courtesy and praises Desdemona, Iago uses this to make Othello jealous.
- He is a lightweight drinker. If he consumes too much alcohol, he loses his temper and turns into a beast. Iago knows this and uses to kick Cassio out of his occupation.
craftily qualified too; and behold what innovation it
makes here. I am unfortunate in the infirmity and dare
not task my weakness with any more (II.iii.35-38)
- It is clear how much Othello respects Cassio because this is the first time in a Shakespeare play that a character was given a full name.
- Cassio was later assigned as the General because of Othello's actions and his death.