Othello's plot follows the downfall of the valiant black general, Othello, who serves Venice. At the beginning of the play, Othello happily marries Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian senator. Othello is later tricked and led to ruin by the play's ruthless villain, Iago, who seeks revenge on Othello for passing him up for a promotion. Iago causes Othello to lose trust in his faithful lieutenant, Cassio, and his loving wife, Desdemona. This ultimately leads to the play's tragic outcome: Othello smothers Desdemona with a pillow and takes his own life.
