Desdemona is the beautiful wife of Othello and the daughter of Venetian senator Brabantio. Desdemona and Othello are secretly married. Desdemona is determined ,self-possessed and virtuous, which causes her to feel that she must defend Cassio, and speak in a public sphere when necessary. She is stronger than Othello believes her to be. She is equally capable of defending her marriage, jesting bawdily with Iago, and responding with dignity to Othello's incomprehensible jealousy.