Othello Text: Original Othello Script

This page contains links to the free original Othello text by Shakespeare.

The language used in Shakespeare’s day is slightly different to today’s modern English, which is reflected in the full Othello text. Our article on Shakespeare & early modern English, or our Shakespeare dictionary, will help you to understand the language as you read through the script.

Another thing to bear in mind as you read the Othello text are Shakespeare’s stage directions, which are italicised. Stage directions are instructions and direction to the actors, and not spoken lines. Some stage directions can be a little confusing, so have a read of our understanding Shakespeare’s stage directions article.

The script of Othello is very long, so we have separated the play into it’s original 5 Acts. Click on the appropriate links below to read Shakespeare’s original Othello text, or a translation into simple, modern English: