Shakespeare's Othello, Iago, A True Villain

A detailed Summary of Shakespeare's Othello, Iago, A True Villain


In all of Shakespeare none of his characters prove to be a greater villain than the manipulative Iago. In Shakespeare's Othello, Iago portrays the evil essence of the play and is the one responsible for the downfall of the characters. Unlike most villains Iago's intellect and knowledge of the other characters are his only devices. Iago uses these qualities to gain respect and loyalty while destroying their lives. Villains, for the most part, may use one or more of their enemies to get back at another, and this theory stays true in the play Othello. Iago achieves the goal of his plan by manipulating and exploiting the weaknesses and strengths of Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello.

As the play begins we see Roderigo is Iago's first victim. Iago uses Roderigo's

love for Desdemona and his willingness to do anything for her as a way of funding for his

malicious plan. Iago has Roderigo duped.

"Thus do I ever make my fool my purse;

For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane

If I would time expend with such a snipe But for my sport and profit,

I hate the Moor;" (Shakespeare 1.3.390-393).

Iago keeps re-assuring Roderigo he is giving the money and jewels to Desdemona, which Roderigo is supplying t


good advice is only disguising Iago's reason for Cassio to talk to Desdemona, with this he

In double knavery-How, how?-Let's see:- After some time, to abuse Othello's ear

"Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her! damn her! Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw To furnish my with some swift means of death For the fair devil. Now art though my lieutenant." (Shakespeare, 3.3.526-529).

To be suspected, fram'd to make a women false." (Shakespeare, 1.3.399-405).

Through this Iago has achieved one of his goals, he has now had Cassio demoted and he

"He takes her by the palm; ay, well said, whisper.



Some common words found in the essay are:
Cassio Othello's, Cassio Ay, Othello Iago, Cassio Othello, Cassio Desdemona, Iago Othello's, Cassio Cassio's, Cassio Iago, Desdemona Roderigo, Iago Roderigo, malicious plan, iago achieved, othello iago, iago's manipulations, malicious plan iago, roderigo cassio, cassio's manners, main goal, courtly gestures, stays true, roderigo cassio othello, kill cassio,

Approximate Word count = 1084
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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