Iago's importance to the play is revealed through the significance he has in determining the direction of the plot. Just like a masterful puppeteer, he has forcefully steered its' direction. Shakespeare, at the very beginning of the play does not bother to develop the character of the protagonist, Othello but rather places greater emphasis on plot development. We are immediately introduced to Roderigo and Iago and are privy to their conspiracy t

The success of Iago's deceptive honesty is most clearly seen in the final scene of the play in which the truth of his dishonesty is revealed. So successful was Iago's scheme that Othello can only think that Iago must have been a devil. 'I look down towards his feet- but... If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee'.

Iago's emotive feelings are dictating the direction of the plot. The audience ponder whether Iago will gain some control and restore balance. By Act 3 sc. iii he has achieved half of his objectives. Cassio has been removed and Iago has replaced him as lieutenant. 'Now art thou my lieutenant'. Instead Iago, full of rage and satisfaction that is plan is working so well continues his destructive plan. All the while Iago's 'medicine' is working to 'put the Moor at least into a jealousy so strong that judgement cannot cure'. He so easily controls the 'levers' of the play.

The primary function Iago serves is being the catalyst to the downfall of Othello and Desdemona. Without Iago the tragedy would not have occurred. This is not to say however, that Othello is not void of blame. Iago merely perceived Othello's inherent weaknesses such as his open nature and exploited them. This is Iago's function- showing that the downfall of Othello is not the cause of just one obdurate body but there are many other contributing factors. Obviously Iago tapped into the fact that Othello was an outsider/ non-venetian and used it to prey on his insecurities. 'In Venice they do let God see the pranks they dare not show their husbands'. Would Othello been so prone to Iago's attack if he himself were a Venetian?

Iago also exploits Cassio's weak tongue for liquor and uses Cassio's reputation as being a womaniser to his own advantage. Iago also realises the importance of reputation to Cassio and turns this against him to great success.

The success of the use of bestial imagery can be seen through the way Brabantio acts after being told that 'an old black ram is tupping [his] black ewe.' His language becomes rushed and he looses self-power. This is revealed in his short confused sentences. 'Strike on the tinder, ho! Give me a taper...' This is exactly what happens to Othello latter in the play when bombarded with course language. 'Oh Devil! Devil!'

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Approximate Word count = 2698
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)