The Othello story revolves around two central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army and his manipulative ensign, Iago. The epic tragedy explores the timeless themes of racism, sexual jealousy, betrayal, revenge and misogyny. Using The first folio of 1623 as inspiration, Shakespeare's play might have been ripped from today's headlines. " It is the green-ey'd monster which doth mocke the meate it feeds on."