Iago


 * IAGO[[image:http://onewaystreet.typepad.com/one_way_street/images/2007/04/06/iago.jpg align="right" caption="IAGO"]]**

Iagos character is very complex. He is seen as the major villian in the writings of Othello written by William Shakespeare. He has many sides to him, we see that from the beginning he has this envy for the job that has been given to Cassio. He uses his resources around him to manipulate other to get them to do exactly what he wants. His intelligence allows him to understand that having trust is key to being able to decieve people properly. From the beginning in act one we see how Iago tries to hummiliate Roderigo, trying to make him look like a fool and give others the impression that he dislikes the moors. We also see his dislike towards Othello, he states in the end of act one, scene III that he has suspicions that Othello has slept with his wife.

Iago was a very jealous and ambitious person. He was jealous of Michael Casio for taking the post he desired as Othello’s Lieutenant. Throughout Act 1 he defamed Michael Casio’s character to Rodrigo. He constantly pointed out of Casio’s short comings and imperfections, detailing why he himself would have been a better choice for job. Iago was obviously ambitious because he befriended Othello in the beginning, simply to be chosen as his lieutenant and gain more power; not necessarily because he actually liked Othello. After Iago was denied the position, his sole purpose became to make Othello think that Casio had slept with Othello’s new wife Desdemona, and to ultimately ruin Othello’s confidence, his authority and his reputation.