In Othello, what is the name of the governor of Cyprus?

In Othello, Montano is the governor of Cyprus. He is described as Othello's Venetian predecessor in the government of the island, and he remains an important authority figure after Othello arrives as the new military commander. Montano helps establish the political order that Othello inherits when the action moves from Venice to Cyprus.

Montano's most memorable scene occurs in Act 2. Iago gets Cassio drunk and manipulates events so that Cassio becomes involved in a violent disturbance. Montano tries to restrain him, but Cassio wounds Montano during the fight. Othello responds by stripping Cassio of his rank, a decision that allows Iago to begin his larger scheme against Othello and Desdemona.

Montano is sometimes mistaken for Cassio because both are associated with Cyprus's military administration, but they are distinct characters. Cassio is Othello's lieutenant, while Montano is the former governor. Montano reappears near the end of the play, helps expose Iago's plot, and is appointed by Lodovico to govern Cyprus after Othello's death. His role therefore links the island's political leadership before, during, and after the tragedy.