Iago Character Analysis

In the play Othello, written by William Shakespeare, Iago appears to be a clever and manipulative character from the beginning. He attempts, and succeeds, to sabotage the Othello’s, relationship with his wife Desdemona. Throughout the play, he conceals his true character and as a result, other characters see him as honest, reliable, and trustworthy. He gains Othello’s lieutenant Cassio’s trust, then backstabs him. He also uses Roderigo, a Venetian, as a piece in his puzzle to ultimately take down Othello. Iago goes against everyone whom he seems to side. Everything seems to work out in Iago’s favor; his trickery and deceitfulness lead him to becoming the swindler he yearns to be, with success in his schemes. Iago’s hatred towards Othello is evident from the very beginning of the play. In Act 1, Scene 1, Iago presents a couple of different reasons for hating Othello. First, he is upset because Othello overlooks him for lieutenant and instead designates Michael Cassio to the position. In addition, Iago speculates that his wife, Emilia, is cheating on him with “the Moor.”. In Act 1, Scene 3, Iago expresses his anger by saying, “I hate the Moor:/And it is thought abroad, that ‘twixt my sheets /He has done my office: I know if’t be true;/ But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,/ Will do as if for surety” (1.3.389-393). By saying “he has done my office” Iago presumes that Othello has been sleeping in his bed and fulfilling his duties; he distrusts Othello, Emilia, and all