Otello (tenor)- The Moorish Governor of Cyprus, and general in the Venetian army. He is deeply in love with his Venetian wife, Desdemona.

Desdemona (soprano)- Otello's new wife, very much in love with her husband.

Emilia (mezzo-soprano)- Iago's wife, one of Desdemona's ladies-in-waiting.

Cassio (tenor)- Otello's friend and subordinate. He has just been promoted by Otello to the rank of lieutenant.

Roderigo (tenor)- A Venetian gentleman who is smitten with Desdemona.

Iago (baritone)- Otello's ensign (a military rank just below lieutenant). He is crafty, intelligent, evil-and determined to destroy Otello.

Montano (bass)- The previous Governor of Cyprus.