Iago Character Analysis

Iago is often referred to as Shakespeare’s greatest villain, and this is completely understandable. He really is as slimy and conniving a snake as you could possibly get. He is extremely intelligent and calculating, a dangerous combination in any Hollywood villain. His malicious contempt for Othello is a sniper rifle, not a shotgun; each facet of his plans of derailment is clean and concise, no mess, no emotion. He wanders about—like a malevolent wraith—tainting the minds of those around him and warping them to his own will without them becoming aware. To Roderigo, he promises the hand of Desdemona; to Cassio, he promises the return of his reputation and position as Othello’s lieutenant. All of which are promises that, of course, he knows full well he cannot keep, and doesn’t plan to. All of his interactions with any of the characters in the play, including his own wife, are bent to aid him and serve his own interests and plans. Iago is the epitome of the lurking, seething evil of jealousy and suspicion, and the untapped tool of evil, imagination. The main example of how Iago is Shakespeare’s greatest villain is his cold, calculating, and emotionless nature. He has no problem maneuvering the people closest to him like pawns in this proverbial chess game between himself and Othello. While it is a one sided game, Iago must make his moves in the shadows. All connections and friendships are fair game for manipulation. Whether that’s using his friendship with Othello to