How Does Iago Use Roderigo In Othello

Iago seems to be honest; nonetheless, he purposely deceives characters and intentionally destroys their lives. This is true to a certain extent as Iago is able to influence others to do things in a way that benefits and moves him closer to his own ambitions.

Iago uses Roderigo’s gullible and naive personality to his advantage. Roderigo’s compulsive love for Desdemona renders him vulnerable to Iago’s manipulation. This obsession causes Roderigo to obediently believe anything Iago says in hopes of winning Desdemona. Iago uses Roderigo as a puppet to fill Brabantio’s head with false claims of how Othello stole Desdemona. Later in the play, Iago uses Roderigo as a mere pawn for his ploy of instigating a fight between Cassio and Roderigo himself.

Initially, Iago encourages Cassio to drink, getting him intoxicated to cause a fight with Roderigo. As a result, Othello demotes Cassio from his rank as lieutenant. Iago further conspires against Cassio by advising him with malicious aims. He gives Cassio hope of regaining his position by instructing him to ask Othello’s wife, Desdemona for help. Iago intentionally misleads Cassio so that he can use Cassio’s misguided behaviour to insinuate to Othello that he desires Desdemona. Othello does not acknowledge these claims and states that Iago must provide physical evidence to support his accusations. Iago plants Desdemona’s handkerchief in Cassio’s lodging, thus framing Cassio and providing Othello with ocular proof of Desdemona’s