Iago In Shakespeare's Othello Essay

951 Words2 Pages

The Character of Iago in Othello

In the play Othello, by William Shakespeare, there is a display of the different human facets. This essay will primarily focus on the qualities of Iago. The way Shakespeare went about the description of Iago's character; anyone would assume that he was nothing but a despicable person. I would like to add a couple of perspectives to the list of theories. It may be that some of the things this character committed are somewhat justifiable.

Now what exactly did this character, Iago, do that makes everyone perceive him as such a person? Well, he obviously is no heaven sent angel, he just happens to be as human as you and I. He just happens to be a smart individual who knows how to use his surroundings. …show more content…

He conjures up a plan in which he and Roderigo will alert Barbantio that his innocent daughter has eloped with Othello, with the intent to cause Othello trouble of course. Roderigo sees it as a chance to get Desdemona back. At least that is the line that Iago feeds him. The thing that really captures me about Iago's character is that he is very straightforward. When he first took action he let everyone know of his intentions but since everyone was too preoccupied with their own worries they paid him no mind. He first declared his intent to Roderigo. (Act1.1.45-71) He proceeds to claim the following: · That he only followed Othello for his own best interest even though it seemed like he followed him out of love and duty. · He also lingered on the fact that things aren't always, as they seem. That only heaven knows what he really feels although his outward appearance may portray something else. Although characters in this story are oblivious to the fact that someone who they know can be behind their betrayal, I picked it up right away. It was Iago's way of warning people ahead of time. It was their own naiveness that did …show more content…

Even though he was the protagonist of the story he was not much of one solely for lacking a minds of his own. There is barely a moment throughout were he takes time to think for himself and that is what ends up condemning him. Iago of course played a big part in this because of Othello's dependency on him. And that was just an advantage to

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