Manipulating Roderigo In Shakespeare's Othello

In Othello, the Moor of Venice Iago is portrayed as an antagonist in this William Shakespeare play, Iago was upset with Othello for not choosing him as a lieutenant. Instead Iago became an Ancient one, which is the right hand to the lieutenant. Iago’s rage caused him to go against Othello and his lieutenant Cassio. However, lago does not just face them head on he does it with tricks. Iago is very talented with exploiting people’s weaknesses, so he tricks his opponent into situations he wants them to be in. lago does this to Cassio, the lieutenant he envy’s, Roderigo a simple spawn in his plan, and Othello the man he hates.

Since Cassio was chosen as lieutenant by Othello, Iago tends to get his revenge on Cassio. Iago is shown to have a talent

Manipulating Roderigo was an easy task for Iago plans. Roderigo is somewhat of a simpleton. Iago noticed that Roderigo would believe him and do whatever Iago says. Roderigo being so easy to control most likely helped Iago set most of his traps and tricks towards others he intended harm. Roderigo was easily influenced whenever Iago mention Desamona to him. Roderigo wanted to be with Desamona but she was already married to Othello. So Iago told Roderigo what to do so he can get to Desamona heart, however that was just one of Iago tricks to get Roderigo to do his bidding. Of course at some point Iago needed to get rid of Roderigo and Cassio to get rid of loose ends. Iago set up Roderigo against Cassio hoping that they would murder each other but they only inflicted deep wounds, no deaths. Iago saw an opportunity to get rid of Roderigo so he went by Cassio as if he just saw what happen in a very concerned friend like way. Then he went to Roderigo and stab him “Oh murderous slave! Oh, villain!! (stabs Roderigo)” (5.1.62) as if he had no idea who he was, as if Roderigo was just some scoundrel going after is so called comrade

Now remember this all started simply because Othello choose Cassio as his lieutenant instead of Iago. Iago plan was to get Othello to believe his wife Desdemona was cheating on him, but since Othello had complete faith in his wife it was going to be a bit complex. Iago had to set things up to make it seem as if Desdemona was false towards Othello. Of course part of it was deceptions towards the mind, Iago started off with just telling Othello that his wife was false “she did deceive her farther, marrying you” (3.3.207). After Iago showed fake proof that Desdemona was cheating, Othello was enraged with his wife. Othello had even struck his wife in front of other people, “Devil! (striking her)” (4.1.224). Othello showing such display in front of others was not decent at all. In fact, it this is what happen to Cassio, showing a vile side towards the company of