The Character Of Iago In William Shakespeare's Othello

I am not who I say I am

In William Shakespeare's play "Othello," we are introduced to one of the plays most convoluted villains, Iago. Iago is able to employ wicked behavior on specific characters of the play without them knowing that any harm is being done. Iago's craft is that he has a way of manipulating characters with just his words. We learn later that the chaos generated by Iago was a result from Iago's own jealousy and insecurities. Iago's scheming and vindictive tendencies later leads to the deaths of Roderigo, Desdemona, and Othello. All the acts in "Othello" contain an evil plan that was devised by Iago. That in terms is ironic because in the play he is often known as "a man of honesty and trust" (1.3.284). The audience as a spectator

Iago uses Roderigo to further along his cruel intentions. Iago is knowledgeable to the fact that with an enough sway that foolish Roderigo will listen to him. In Iago's discourse he states "do I ever make my fool my purse"(1.3.373). He is conning Roderigo out of his money without his knowledge. At this point Iago takes pleasure in reaping the rewards behind Roderigo cluelessness. That ruthlessness is the driving force behind Iago villainy becoming worse. Iago is wise to know that being considered trustworthy will be a promising attribute to have. Roderigo is unaware that letting Iago in on his own desires is only causing a furthered evil plot. Iago knows Roderigo is fond of Desdemona who is Othello’s wife. Iago convinces Roderigo that “It cannot be long that Desdemona will love the Moor and to put money in thy purse” (1.3.339-340). At this point it becomes obvious that Iago takes full advantage of the ill-advised Roderigo. Even if it’s apparent that Roderigo questions Iago’s reasoning behind his actions or requests he still does what is directed by Iago. Roderigo says “I have no great devotion to the deed, yet he hath given me satisfying reasons” (5.1.8-9). Iago knows he is considered an honorable man. He convinces Roderigo to commit any villainess act he needs done. That is what makes Iago’s evil scheme all the more brilliant. Iago has orchestrated and is

Othello knows that society will never accept that he is black man married to a white woman. Iago uses Othello’s current emotional state to invoke a stream of jealousy in Othello. Iago hints that Othello should watch his wife with Cassio. Iago warns Othello by saying “look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio” (3.3.199). Iago knows that the meeting behind Cassio and Desdemona is harmless but he still uses it to cause turmoil. He successfully assures Othello that his wife is having an affair. Iago ultimately causes the death and end to the marriage of Othello and Desdemona. He is so corrupted that he does not feel sympathy or guilt for his actions. His actions in some ways resemble a crazed man. At some point he even brings his wife, Emilia in on his dirty work. He asked for Emilia to still Desdemona handkerchief to finally prove deceit. At this point in the story it’s like Iago will use anyone to satisfy his need for retaliation. Iago stayed true to his false manmade façade up until his wife figures out the truth. He kills his wife because he could not have her reveal his true persona. Iago seems to work best in secret where he can conduct what each character could do