Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of Othello. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
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Quick answer: Tricked by Iago into believing his wife Desdemona has been unfaithful, Othello smothers her in their bed. Emilia, Iago's wife, reveals the truth about the handkerchief, Iago kills her, and Othello, realizing he was deceived, stabs himself and dies on Desdemona's body; Iago is taken away to be tortured, refusing to explain.
Quick facts
– Book: Othello by William Shakespeare
– First published: 1603
– Type: A tragedy
– Tone of the ending: Devastating
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
Othello, a Moorish general in Venice, marries Desdemona. Iago, his ensign, resents being passed over for promotion in favour of Cassio. He makes Othello believe Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, using a handkerchief Othello gave her as false proof.
What Happens at the End of Othello
Iago persuades Roderigo to kill Cassio, but Cassio is only wounded, and Iago kills Roderigo. Othello smothers Desdemona. Emilia reveals she gave the handkerchief to Iago. Iago stabs her. Othello wounds Iago, gives a final speech asking to be remembered as one who “loved not wisely but too well,” and kills himself. Cassio is made governor of Cyprus.
The Ending in 4 Quick Points
- Iago's lies destroy everyone.
- Emilia tells the truth and dies.
- Othello kills himself.
- Iago refuses to speak.
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Othello | Kills himself |
| Desdemona | Killed by Othello |
| Iago | Arrested |
| Emilia | Killed by Iago |
| Cassio | Becomes governor |
What the Ending Means
The ending shows the destructive power of jealousy and manipulation.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Readers debate Iago's motives, since he never fully explains them; his last words are “From this time forth I never will speak word.” The play is also often discussed for its treatment of race, since Othello's enemies use his status as an outsider against him, and for how quickly a loving marriage is destroyed by suggestion alone.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Jealousy. Othello's jealousy destroys him.
Manipulation. Iago controls others.
Race. Othello is an outsider.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of Othello as devastating. How you feel about it usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected William Shakespeare to do with the story, so it is worth asking friends how they felt before you compare notes.
Who Will Like This Ending
Readers who enjoy endings that are devastating will find a lot to talk about here. If you prefer every thread tied up neatly, it helps to know in advance how William Shakespeare closes the story, which is exactly why many readers look it up. Either way, the final chapters reward a second look once you know where everything is heading, because small details from the middle of the book start to matter. If you are reading with a group, agree beforehand whether everyone has finished, so nobody has the last chapters spoiled.
Book Versus Adaptation
The 1995 film with Laurence Fishburne follows the ending closely.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading Othello with a book club or a friend, these questions work well once everyone has finished:
- Did the ending surprise you, or had you seen it coming from the first chapters?
- What does the final scene say about jealousy, and do you agree with William Shakespeare's view?
- Which character made the most important choice in the last part of the book, and was it the right one?
- How would the story feel if it had ended one chapter earlier or one chapter later?
- Does the ending leave you hopeful about the characters, or do you worry about what comes next?
- Would you describe the ending as devastating, or would you choose a different word?
How to Read the Final Chapters Again
- Compare the opening with the close. Look at how the first chapter introduces jealousy and how the ending answers it.
- Track each final choice. The table above shows where every main character ends up, so ask which of those outcomes was earned.
- Notice what William Shakespeare leaves unsaid. Gaps in the last pages are often deliberate, and they are where most of the debate about the ending begins.
- Listen for echoes. Images, phrases or settings from earlier in Othello often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of Othello earned by what came before it, or did it feel sudden?
- Which character's final moment affected you most, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the last chapters, what would it be?
- Did the ending change how you think about the opening pages?
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Books to Read After Othello
Related: 15 Books Like Othello You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of Othello?
Tricked by Iago into believing his wife Desdemona has been unfaithful, Othello smothers her in their bed. Emilia, Iago's wife, reveals the truth about the handkerchief, Iago kills her, and Othello, realizing he was deceived, stabs himself and dies on Desdemona's body; Iago is taken away to be tortured, refusing to explain.
Is the ending of Othello happy or sad?
Most readers call it devastating.
What does the ending of Othello mean?
The ending shows the destructive power of jealousy and manipulation.
Is the ending of Othello the same in the adaptation?
The 1995 film with Laurence Fishburne follows the ending closely.
Who wrote Othello and when was it published?
Othello was written by William Shakespeare and first published in 1603.
Is Othello worth reading if I already know the ending?
Yes, especially if you enjoy tragedys. Knowing the ending can make a first read richer, because you notice how William Shakespeare prepares for it from the opening chapters.
Should I read Othello before reading the ending explained?
Yes, if you plan to read it, because this post gives away the whole ending.