Iago Character Analysis

William Shakespeare's Othello is a play that mostly revolves around jealousy, trust and revenge. Throughout most of Shakespeare's plays, evil characters are not uncommon, but in my own opinion, Iago has to be one of - if not the most - interesting. Even though Iago might be described by some as being just "pure evil" or even "intolerable", the truth still remains that people will read deeper into the play just to see what Iago will do next. Through his words and actions, which are carefully thought out, Iago is able to manipulate others for his personal benefit. Not only that, but he also manipulates people to get him closer to his goals. He is no doubt the driving force of the play, pushing Othello and everyone else towards the tragic ending.

Iago is one of Shakespeare's greatest villains. At first glance, Iago may not seem all that evil, but as the play goes on, you can see clearly that this is not the case. When Iago says, "I am not what I am" (1.1, 64), I don't think it can be explained any better because he definitely is not what he seems. Everyone seems to think Iago is such an honest guy, but this could not be further from the truth. He is not the typical villain that you might see in a story or play. The role he plays is very unique and complex, which is far from what people would normally expect from a villain. Not only is he very smart, but he is also pretty much an expert at judging the character of people around him, and that is how he picks out one of his victims, Cassio.

Cassio, who Iago feels is "ignorant" and "ill suited", is given the position of Lieutenant that Iago so much desires. After hearing of this, Iago is filled with jealousy and envy and plots to steal the position, which he feels is rightfully his. When Iago says "I know my price; I am worth no worse a place." (1.1, 11), you know he will do whatever he has to do in order to gain the position as Lieutenant. He deceives, kills, steals and stops at nothing just to get what he wants. In the midst of his deceit, he manages to convince Roderigo to get Cassio drunk and then pick a fight with him. He figures this will make Cassio lose his position as Lieutenant, thereby making him the new Lieutenant. Cassio falls for the trick, fights Roderigo, and loses his position. This leaves Iago with what he wanted all along- which is to be Lieutenant. With all of Iago's actions throughout the play, it is clear to see not only is he evil, but he has no conscience.

As the play unfolds, Iago constantly lies and deceives people. From his wife, to his friends, it doesn't matter. In just about every scene of the play, one can point out his deception or scheme. In one scene, Iago actually tricks Othello into believing that Desdemona, his own wife, is having an affair with Cassio. Then he ironically warns Othello about jealousy:

"O, beware my lord of jealousy;

It is the green eye'd monster which doth mock

The meat it feeds on" (3.3, 165-167)

and manages to convince Othello without any concrete proof, which is amazing. After this, Othello is so filled with rage and caught up in Iago's lies that he refuses to believe Desdemona when she denies everything. Othello knows that he can't let her live knowing that he has been ridiculed:

"But alas, to make me the fixed figure for the time of scorn.

To point his slow unmoving finger at!" (4.2, 53-55)

Since he can't live in such a role, he murders Desdemona. At this point, much credit has to be given to Iago - even if people don't like him. His manipulative power, which gives him the ability to bend and twist the minds of his friends and spouse, is nothing short of amazing.

Iago manages to steal money from a good