Iago, an Analysis

Iago was the villain men envied and woman wanted. Some theorist hypothesized that Iago in fact had no interest in the ladies but was more captivated by the men. Iago was likely the most vicious villains in Shakespeare. He played the two faced liar smiting and betraying his fellow characters. He plays three sides of a story, while at one point he is the best comrade a person could have, at another he is back stabbing and yet another throwing hints to the audience. Iago is, in my opinion, the main character creating the most depth and interest throughout the entire play.

Iago is often funny and quite charming throughout the play, but his the most captivating part of his personality is his seer lack of reasoning behind his hatred for Othello. The two only reasons he outwardly conveys in his speech is his anger towards Othello for not allowing him the lieutenant position. Later in the act he believes Othello slept with his wife and proclaims that he must get even. He seemingly seeks revenge on everyone around him and apparently takes joy and pride in whatever havoc he wreaks. At the same time he condoles his victims showing true empathy.

Iago struggles with what seems to be multiple personality disorder. He is constantly flopping between several different view points. To the faces of his fellow characters he seems to show support and act as a loyal friend. On the other hand he is very two faced, speaking with himself about the awful things he has done or plans to do to the people around him. Thirdly he almost speaks with the audience, keeping them up to date on his current feelings. Many theorists do not understand his lack of motivation for hate between himself and Othello. While some find this intriguing, others believe that Iago is gay and in fact does not hate Othello but is madly in love with him. There are a few valid reasoning behind his thought and even urban dictionaries view him as the greatest homosexual character in theater but there is really no solid evidence that Iago is gay, nor is there anyway to ever find the truth.

Many, if not all of the main events are sparked by Iago and some antic he plus. He plays a captivating character making him seemingly the main character rather than Othello.