Iago, who is said to be William Shakespeare's most evil creation, is perhaps one of the most complex characters to understand. Samuel Taylor Coleridge said that the key to understanding Iago's character, was "motiveless malignity". However, this view is perhaps too simplistic. Shakespeare offers us a wide range of reasons which explains Iago's hatred and actions. Adding to the complexity of his character, one may also notice that often we can see Iago justifying or hunting down excuses and reasons for his actions, suggesting that perhaps he himself does not know the full extent of his motives. Iago is said by many to be pure evil. The ultimate villain. However, at the same time, his character is made bearable due to the fact that he is witty and egotistical , making the reader almost find humour in Iago. Despite this, Iago's capability of lying and destroying, added to his superior intellect, makes him one of literature's greatest villains.

So what are Iago's motives for destroying Cassio, Othello and Desdemona ? Initially, as the play's first scene suggests, professional jealousy drives the burning hatred Iago has for Cassio and Othello. Having lost his promotion of Lieutenant t

However, with Montano and lodovicho, he stresses the fact that he has nothing but Othello and the Venetian state's at best interest. One can see that Iago is able to separate his ego from his dealings. He is able to "play a different part" with each character. However it is only with Othello that one can see the true genius of Iago. When analysing Iago's conversations and behaviour whilst he is in the company of Othello, the reader can discover Iago's brilliance and evil. As the play progresses, one can see that Iago begins to assume the dominant role Othello used to have, at the beginning of the play, as opposed to Othello who gently slips from grace into a not only lower language, but a lower way of thinking as well.

" plague him with flies ". In such instances, the reader is allowed to see what other characters are not. Iago's true nature. This produces a sharp contrast between himself and the person he pretends to be whilst in the presence of Othello, Cassio, Desdemona or any other character.

His motives for destroying Othello's happiness is also driven by negative impulses. It becomes apparent that sexual jealousy is a major factor, when Iago suggest that the general has

being and not an abstraction. Iago's feelings are exaggerated, and he acts immorally. Iago represents the evil which in a sense lays in all of us. The only difference, is that he chooses to act upon it,

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Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)