iago character analysis essay pdf

Iago, Othello

Iago is a character in Shakespeare’s play, Othello . He is a senior officer in the Venetian army under the command of its general, Othello.

Iago is very popular among the characters in the play. He is valued for his loyalty and there is a consensus that he is very honest and straightforward and, in fact, he is repeatedly greeted as ‘honest Iago,’ and spoken of with the same language. All the main characters turn to him for help and advice with their problems.

Kenneth Brannagh as Iago in Oliver Parker’s 1995 Othello

He is charming, clever, and funny, and great company, and right at the center of the military community on Cyprus, where the army has been sent to deter the Turks from an attack on Venice. He lends a sympathetic ear to everyone as they pour out their problems to him and solicit his help.

What they don’t know is that he is actually the cause of their problems and that the more information they give him the more ammunition they are supplying him with to be used against them.

The character qualities listed above are all fake. He is, in fact, hypocritical, manipulative, cruel, unsympathetic, vicious, and, in fact, murderous.

Iago is a very modern character in that he has been diagnosed by critics as a psychopath or a sociopath, or an extreme narcissist. Remarkably, Shakespeare created that character some four hundred years before psychologists began to describe the characteristics of psychopaths and sociopaths. Iago’s behavior is very much like a case history of what we would recognize as a psychopath.

Iago’s symptoms, if one can talk about his character in that way, are that he is devoid of any conscience and any antipathy. He sees other human beings only as objects that can be maneuvered, moved around according to where he wants to place them. And whatever their suffering is as a result of his manipulations, he feels no remorse.

Iago sets out to destroy Othello. The question that we can’t help asking is, why? It is not only Othello who is destroyed but several other characters too, although Othello is his main target.

The answer is that it’s not clear. What is clear is that he enjoys the suffering of others, even though he may not want to get anything out of it apart from pleasure. On two occasions his soliloquies offer some insight but only confuse his motives further. At one point he suggests that Othello has slept with his wife, Emelia, although that’s easily dismissible. At another point he reveals some bitterness that he has been overlooked for promotion when Michael Cassio is made second in command instead. It is better not to search for reasons but simply to accept that he just wants to destroy the happiness of others.

Iago & The Othello Plot

The action centers on his plot against Othello. As it advances the other characters are drawn in. Othello, a black man, has gained the love of Desdemona , the daughter of a wealthy citizen. They marry in secret and although that is frowned upon by the city authorities Othello is a military hero and Venice is in deep trouble. Othello is the only man who can stop an invasion by the Turks so they let his behavior pass and even give permission for Desdemona to accompany the troops to Cyprus.

Iago decides that the way to destroy Othello is by convincing him that Desdemona is being unfaithful to him. He will kill two birds with one stone and make Othello believe that the man she is being unfaithful with is Michael Cassio.

Knowing that Cassio’s weak point is that he reacts badly to alcohol, Iago makes him drunk in a pub and Cassio becomes aggressive and violent. Othello intervenes and demotes Cassio. Cassio appeals to Desdemona to ask Othello to reinstate him. Iago pretends to be Cassio’s friend and advisor in that. Cassio in Othello’s mind. He works hard on that and manufactures ‘evidence’ of the affair.

Othello reveals his weak point, which is jealousy. He goes mad with jealousy and, encouraged by Iago, finally strangles Desdemona. When he is made to see that it is Iago’s villainy that has brought this tragedy about and that Desdemona was innocent, he kills himself.

Iago is arrested and taken back to Venice where he is to be imprisoned and tortured for what he has done.

Common Questions About Iago

Is iago in love with desdemona.

Iago is not in love with Desdemona. He tries to understand why he wants to destroy Othello beyond an irrational hatred of him. He suggests that Othello has slept with his wife at one point. At another point, he bemoans the fact that he has been overlooked for promotion, and he briefly considers that he may be in love with Desdemona but dismisses that very quickly.

Is Iago in love with Othello?

There is no suggestion whatsoever in the play that Iago might be in love with Othello

Why was Iago jealous?

Iago is not jealous of anyone. He has a personality problem in that he takes delight in making people suffer and watching that suffering. All his efforts are directed towards that.

Why does Iago kill his wife?

At the climax of the play, it is Iago’s wife, Emilia who exposes him. After Othello has strangled Desdemona and the Venetian councilors are trying to understand what has happened Emilia accuses Iago. He tells her to be quiet and go home but she becomes even more vociferous. Iago takes out his sword and kills her.

Does Iago die, and who kills Iago?

Iago does not die in the play. While his main victims die he survives. He is taken back to Venice and imprisoned.

Top Iago Quotes

“For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart”

( act 1, scene 1 )

“In complement extern ’tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at I am not what I am.”

“Put money in thy purse.”

( act 1, scene 3 )

“Virtue? A fig! ‘Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus.”

“I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad, that ‘twixt my sheets ‘Has done my office. I know not if ‘t be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety.”

“When devils will the blackest sins put on They do suggest at first with heavenly shows”

( act 2, scene 3 )

“And what’s he then that says I play the villain?”

Read more about Shakespeare’s Othello play

See All Othello Resources

Othello | Othello summary | Othello characters : Desdemona , Iago | Othello settings | Othello in modern English | Othello full text | Modern Othello ebook | Othello quotes | Othello quote translations | Othello monologues | Othello soliloquies | Othello performance history

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Othello’s Characters Analysis: Othello, Iago, Desdemona, & More

Othello is one of the most famous Shakespearean plays. Love, hatred, jealousy – everything is portrayed in it. The list of characters in Othello makes the play unique and exciting. In the present article, our experts have analyzed major and minor figures.

• 🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Character Map

👩🏼 Desdemona

👨🏼 roderigo, 🤼 minor characters.

• 🗺️ Navigation

🎓 References

🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏼 othello: character map.

The variety of Othello characters allows the conflict of the play to stay alive and for the events to develop gradually. Here, you can see all the crucial figures:

It is necessary to note that all of the characters in Othello are important. Yet, let’s start with the major ones.

The protagonist of the play. Othello is the general of the army of Venice, a Christian Moor who earned the respect of others. He is seen as a powerful, honest and straightforward figure. However, his age and race make him an easy target for the evil plots of his ensign Iago.

Othello Character Analysis

The general of the Venetian army, a Christian Moor, Desdemona’s husband – these are some of the parts of Othello’s description. However, these are only one side of the coin. The combination of Othello’s character traits makes him a complex hero.

He is a foreigner from Africa, different by race and culture. That makes his status more complicated. On the one hand, he is an experienced soldier who won the post of general by intelligence and excellence in the military. He is courageous, intelligent, and respected by his troops. However, on the other hand, he is a black Moor. His appearance is often described with such expressions as “the thick-lips,” “a Barbary horse,” and “an old black ram.” At times, the protagonist presents himself as an outsider because he recognizes himself as an outsider or feels insecure about being different from other Venetians.

Othello is constantly referred to as “Moor.” He is black among all the white people. When Othello (character) was referred to as black, others meant not only his skin but the concept of color symbolism. While white meant honor and innocence, black was guilt and wickedness.

Othello shares his life story with Desdemona. She sees right through it, and they both get involved in the secret marriage. Othello grew up in slavery and danger, and he’s used to the battlefield. Desdemona is the angel who brought love to Othello’s life. However, when it comes to managing love and marriage, he’s inexperienced. His insecurities make it easy for Iago to persuade him in Desdemona’s infidelity. Othello is a military man, active in his actions. Just the certainty that his wife betrayed him made the protagonist judge and execute Desdemona.

Iago manipulates Othello into believing that his wife has cheated, yet never provides any actual proof. However, the main character is eager to think that she is indeed unfaithful. That might be for two reasons:

• First, he believes that all women are inherently disloyal.
• Second, he might absorb the racist comments and believe that he is not good enough for Desdemona because of his skin color .

There might also be another possibility. Desdemona isn’t the one who Othello loves the most. It’s himself. Being an outsider has driven the main character to perfectionism. He is incredibly self-disciplined and obsessed with his self-image. A cheating wife ruins the reputation of a perfect general.

Throughout the play, the author uses animal imagery to describe characters, specifically, Othello. It was used to highlight the evil in the characters. In the beginning, Othello was a nobleman. Yet, he was constantly compared to animals throughout the play due to his race. As jealousy was overtaking him, he started to express animalistic behaviors. In other words, he was becoming evil.

The execution of Desdemona leads to the realization of the terrible act he had done. He destroyed the best he had in himself. The guilt consumes him, and he lies next to Desdemona and stabs himself.

💬 Othello’s Quotes

“My story being done, She gave me for my pains a world of sighs. She swore, in faith, twas strange, ’twas passing strange, Twas pitiful, ’twas wondrous pitiful. She wished she had not heard it, yet she wished That heaven had made her such a man. She thanked me, And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her, I should but teach him how to tell my story, And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her that she did pity them.” (Act 1 Scene 3)

“Haply, for I am black And have not those soft parts of conversation That chamberers have, or for I am declined Into the vale of years.” (Act 3 Scene 3)

“O curse of marriage, That we can call these delicate creatures ours And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad And live upon the vapor of a dungeon Than keep a corner in the thing I love For others’ uses.” (Act 3 Scene 3)

“I have done the state some service, and they know’t. No more of that. I pray you, in your letters, When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate, Nor set down aught in malice. Then, must you speak Of one that loved not wisely but too well.” (Act 5 Scene 2)

“I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” (Act 5 Scene 2)

The daughter of the Venetian senator Brabantio. Later in the play, Othello’s wife. She is a young, intelligent, and independent woman. She is fully capable of defending her marriage and responding to Othello’s jealousy.

Desdemona Character Analysis

Desdemona is a young, beautiful, bold, and independent woman. The love for Othello makes her take many risks. She refuses to marry any of the rich Venetian men. Instead, she becomes Othello’s wife. Even though he is a nobleman, he is a Moor, an outsider. She rebels against her father and does not marry a white man of choice. To add more, she rebels against the Venetian society, where interracial marriages were frowned upon.

Throughout the play, Othello and Desdemona’s relationships were going through some changes, and so was she. In the beginning, they loved and respected each other. However, Iago’s evil plot and Othello’s jealousy ruined it. Desdemona was an adventurous and independent woman, but after verbal and physical abuse, she becomes passive. She insists on her innocence until the very end. With her dying breath, she blames herself for the abuse from Othello’s side.

Desdemona was, literally, into her husband. She was madly in love with him. However, the reader could track some naivety in the character of Desdemona when it came to marital relationships. She asked Emilia if it was possible that a woman cheated on her husband. She wasn’t aware that Othello suspected her of infidelity, as the thought would’ve never crossed her mind. She’s loyal to her husband, even deathbed, as she finds it unbearable to think that her husband turned against her.

Strangely enough, Desdemona knew she was going to die. She asks Emilia to put her wedding sheets and to bury her in them. The last time Desdemona is alive, she sees Othello and sings The Willow Song she learned from her mother’s maid. So, how does Desdemona die? Her husband strangles her.

💬 Desdemona’s Quotes

“My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty. To you I am bound for life and education: My life and education both do learn me How to respect you. You are the lord of duty, I am hitherto your daughter.” (Act 1 Scene 3)

“I am not merry; but I do beguile The thing I am, by seeming otherwise.” (Act 2 Scene 1)

“I think the sun where he was born Drew all such humors from him.” (Act 3 Scene 4)

“Beshrew me much, Emilia, I was, unhandsome warrior as I am, Arraigning his unkindness with my soul, But now I find I had suborned the witness, And he’s indicted falsely.” (Act 3 Scene 4)

” Kill me tomorrow; let me live tonight.” (Act 5 Scene 2)

Othello’s ensign and the main villain of the play. He desires revenge, though for unclear reasons. He claims that’s because the lieutenant position was given to somebody else. However, other times he provides different versions. It seems as he’s experiencing the delight in manipulation and hurting people.

Iago Character Analysis

Iago is the central character and Othello’s villain. Shakespeare presented him as a collection of puzzles as he is an artist of evil. Such Iago’s character traits, like charm and honesty – Honest Iago – when driven by jealousy and desire for revenge, make his evil plots easier to come true.

What’s interesting, Iago never provides solid motivation for his actions. He claims that he is upset with Cassio for taking the lieutenant position, with Othello for allegedly sleeping with his wife and becoming the general, despite the race. These do not explain Iago’s hatred for the general in full. There is a list of victims of Iago: Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, and his wife, Emilia. He damages people’s lives and enjoys it.

So, what motivates Iago? From what we’ve gathered, no real motives exist. However, Iago might be the “Vice” figure. These are generally personifications of immoral behaviors. That might be the case with Iago, as Shakespeare likely borrowed that literary tradition.

Another possible motivation for Iago’s behavior might be the deep love for the general. There was a suggestion that one of the underlying motives for the ensign’s hatred was the attraction to Othello. After all, he did enjoy ruining Othello’s marriage and expressed his love for the general constantly.

One of the lives Iago ruined was Emilia’s. Her murder could derive from both betrayal and his hatred towards all womanhood. He poorly treated her throughout the play, constantly disrespected her, and questioned her intelligence.

Iago enjoyed ruining people’s lives a little too much. He did it with a certain elegance as if enjoying his mastermind. He would stop at times and tell the audience about how great he is. Although quite unpleasant, Iago was indeed intelligent to plot his plans. He was able to deceive other characters at the time. And yet, the question of his punishment was left unanswered. Cassio is responsible for the decision whether to punish Iago or not.

💬 Iago’s Quotes

“For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern, ’tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.” (Act 1 Scene 1)

“Cassio’s a proper man. Let me see now: To get his place and to plume up my will In double knavery—How, how? Let’s see. After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear That he is too familiar with his wife. He hath a person and a smooth dispose To be suspected, framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by th’ nose As asses are.” (Act 1 Scene 3)

“I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad, that ‘twixt my sheets Has done my office. I know not if ‘t be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety.” (Act 1 Scene 3)

“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.” (Act 3 Scene 3)

“Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word.” (Act 5 Scene 2)

Michael Cassio is a young, inexperienced soldier who gets promoted to the lieutenant position. This upsets Iago, who is more experienced than the young man. He is loyal to the general and friendly with his wife. He is intelligent yet seems clueless about Iago’s evil plots.

Cassio Character Analysis

Cassio in Othello is young, handsome, and charismatic. However, he has his flaws. He is lightweight and a ladies’ man. Iago sees right through it and decides to use it for his benefit.

When Cassio gets drunk and loses his lieutenant position, he turns to Iago for help and support. The ensign advises him to talk to Desdemona to persuade her husband to give Cassio his job back. The young man worries about his reputation, and he blindly trusts Iago. His flirtatious charisma and friendly manner of communicating with women caused him some trouble. Plus, kissing Emilia in front of Iago might not have been the best idea. It becomes easier for Iago to persuade Othello that Cassio slept with Desdemona.

Even though the lieutenant is respectful towards Desdemona, he has some prejudice about women. There are only two existing categories of women in Cassio’s opinion: virgins and whores. That explains the friendly attitude towards Othello’s wife. However, he still had the tendency of mocking Bianca, the courtesan girl, who was head over heels in love with him.

Maybe, because he lacks military experience or is not Venetian, Cassio is a somewhat trusting character. That’s why he is often compared to Desdemona. However, unlike her, he evolves as a character. He understands that Iago is responsible for Desdemona’s death and helps Othello unveil the truth. He’s a changed man by the end of the play, way more cautious and attentive than before.

💬 Cassios’ Quotes

“’Tis my breeding That gives me this bold show of courtesy.” (Act 2 Scene 1)

“Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself and what remains is bestial.” (Act 2 Scene 3)

“Go to, woman, Throw your vile guesses in the devil’s teeth From whence you have them.” (Act 3 Scene 4)

“The worser that you give me the addition Whose want even kills me.” (Act 4 Scene 1)

“I marry her! What? A customer? Prithee bear some charity to my wit. Do not think it so unwholesome.” (Act 4 Scene 1)

Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s attendant. She highly respects Othello’s wife and has complicated relationships with her husband. She is a smart, sweet, and loyal woman. Though she betrays Desdemona at first, she redeems herself.

Emilia Character Analysis

At the beginning of the play, it might seem that Emilia is one of Iago’s puppets. She agrees to encourage her mistress to advocate on behalf of Cassio and steal the handkerchief. These suggest that she might have been aware of Iago’s plans and gladly helped him.

However, as the play progressed, Emilia provides an interesting perspective on womanhood . She claims that men are usually to blame when their wives cheat on them. Men cheat all the time, so women should have equal rights to do the same. Emilia’s monologue is a feminist manifesto. Or the closest thing we can get, considering it was written in the 1600s.

Throughout the play, Emilia and Desdemona develop a strong relationship. Though different at first, cynical and worldly, Emilia becomes good friends with young Desdemona. In fact, they bond thanks to issues with their husbands. While Emilia was trapped in toxic relationships with Iago, Desdemona had perfect, though temporary, relationships with Othello.

Emilia and Iago’s relationship is not something to describe as “perfect.” The ensign would constantly embarrass and disrespect his wife. He would make terrible remarks about her lacking intelligence. She stole the handkerchief in hopes that he would appreciate her at least a little bit. And yet, he didn’t.

One wrong action from Emilia’s side resulted in Desdemona’s death. When she realized that Othello killed his wife, she immediately lashed out at him. The man has just proven that he’s capable of killing, and she fearlessly promises to bring him justice. Then, she understands that Iago played an essential role in Desdemona’s death. She insists on telling everyone the evil plots of her husband. He threatens her to be quiet, but she doesn’t listen. Iago stabs his wife in desperation. Though she couldn’t undo Desdemona’s death, she could shed light on the truth and die behind her mistress.

💬 Emilia’s Quotes

“I am glad I have found this napkin. This was her first remembrance from the Moor. My wayward husband hath a hundred times Wooed me to steal it. But she so loves the token (For he conjured her she should ever keep it) That she reserves it evermore about her To kiss and talk to. I’ll have the work ta’en out And give ‘t Iago. What he will do with it Heaven knows, not I. I nothing but to please his fantasy.” (Act 3 Scene 3)

“Tis not a year or two shows us a man: They are all but stomachs, and we all but food: They eat us hungerly, and when they are full They belch us.” (Act 3 Scene 4)

“They are not ever jealous for the cause But jealous for they’re jealous.” (Act 3 Scene 4)

“But I do think it is their husbands’ faults If wives do fall. Say that they slack their duties, And pour our treasures into foreign laps; Or else break out in peevish jealousies, Throwing restraint upon us. Or say they strike us, Or scant our former having in despite, Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace, Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know Their wives have sense like them. They see and smell, And have their palates both for sweet and sour, As husbands have. What is it that they do When they change us for others? Is it sport? I think it is. And doth affection breed it? I think it doth. Is ‘t frailty that thus errs? It is so too. And have not we affections, Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? Then let them use us well. Else let them know,” (Act 4 Scene 3)

“No, I will speak as liberal as the north. Let heaven and men and devils, let them all, All, all, cry shame against me, yet I’ll speak.” (Act 5 Scene 2)

She is one of the three female characters of the play. Bianca (Othello) is a courtesan. She is in love with Cassio, who treats her poorly throughout the story. Yet, she can be viewed as the only truly independent woman.

Bianca Character Analysis

Bianca is a Venetian courtesan who is in love with Cassio. He is affectionate about her, but she’s not as important to him as his career. It first reveals itself when Bianca finds Desdemona’s handkerchief in his room. Cassio asks her to copy the pattern, and she doesn’t take this lightly. Bianca suspects that he has a new lover and becomes Cassio’s jealous lover in Othello . That plays well for Iago’s plan.

When the ensign insinuates that there is a romance between Desdemona and Cassio, Bianca enters with the handkerchief and refuses to copy it. This moment plays a crucial role in the play. Her outburst convinces Othello that something is going on between his wife and the lieutenant. This moment of jealousy also disproves Emilia’s theory that only men experience this feeling.

Bianca, in Othello , is a character that’s being socially pressured. She was a prostitute. At that time, married women were seen as ideal as their husbands ruled them. Meanwhile, prostitutes controlled themselves. Society was petrified by those women, as they could be in perfect control of their lives. Bianca is the perfect example of the fear of such power. She was not afraid to show her affection for Cassio, though he would not accept it. He was scared to see himself under her control.

Even though Bianca fancied Cassio and received payments and gifts from him, she was a free woman. No man owned her. Besides, Bianca’s character traits reveal that she’s not a shallow prostitute. She’s an empowered woman who shatters beliefs about male superiority.

As Iago stabbed Cassio, Bianca was accused of being part of the group which attacked the lieutenant. She is led off to be questioned about the attack and not mentioned in the play anymore.

A suitor of Desdemona. He is young, rich, and foolish, convinced that Iago will help him win the woman over. One major event upsets Roderigo – Othello married Desdemona. He is desperate enough to agree to help Iago kill Cassio, especially if the latter might be Desdemona’s lover.

Roderigo Character Analysis

Roderigo is an unintelligent, wealthy person who thinks that he might win Desdemona by presenting her expensive gifts. He asked Iago to be his wingman, but the ensign used Roderigo to make as much profit as possible.

Roderigo was planning to marry Desdemona. That’s why he is pretty upset over the fact that she secretly married a black man. Iago and Roderigo often call Othello racist and derogatory names.

Iago promises to help Roderigo with Desdemona. He is always ready to help Iago if it means that there is a chance of getting together with the woman he likes. He is suspicious of Iago but still allows him to be used for the evil plots.

As Iago mentioned that there is a possibility of Cassio sleeping with Desdemona, Roderigo was desperate enough to agree to help kill the lieutenant. He constantly falls for Iago’s smooth talk. That all ends with his tragic death. He gets stabbed in the back (literally) by Iago.

The Venetian senator and Desdemona’s father. The marriage of his daughter with the general comes as a shock to Brabantio. Othello was his friend. He feels betrayed by this action.

Duke of Venice

The official authority in Venice. Highly respects Othello with no racial prejudice. He is responsible for sending Othello to Cyprus.

Montano in Othello is the governor of Cyprus before the main character’s arrival.

Brabantio’s relative. He acts as a messenger, bringing letters from Venice to Cyprus.

Brabantio’s relative, who accompanies Lodovico. Othello ‘s final scene was chaotic, yet Gratiano mentions that Desdemona’s father has passed away.

Othello’s servant. He only appears for two short scenes. However, he reflects Othello’s language, as the latter gets consumed by jealousy.

Thanks for reading till the end! For more information about Othello ’s plot, themes, and symbols, check the links down below.

• Othello Characters — Shakespeare Birthplace
• Shakespeare’s Desdemona and Othello: an Analysis — Lee Jamieson, ThoughtCo
• Othello Character Descriptions — Shakespeare Learning Zone, Royal Shakespeare Company
• Othello: Summary & Characters — David Bevington, Britannica
• Character analysis: Iago in Othello — The British Library
• Desdemona and Emilia: Female friendship in Shakespeare’s Othello — Elise Walter, Folger Shakespeare Library
• Introduction to Shakespeare’s Cassio and Emilia from Othello — From Shakespearean Tragedy by A. C. Bradley, Shakespeare-online.com
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Study Guide Menu

• Play’s Plot Explored
• Act 1 Scene 1
• Act 1 Scene 2
• Act 1 Scene 3
• Act 2 Scenes 1-2
• Act 2 Scene 3
• Act‌ ‌3‌ ‌Scenes‌ ‌1-2
• Act‌ ‌3‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌3
• Act 3 Scene 4
• Act‌ ‌4‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌1
• Act 4 Scene 2
• Act‌ ‌4‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌3
• Act‌ ‌5‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌1
• Act 5 Scene 2
• Characters Analysis
• Important Quotes
• William Shakespeare
• Essay Topics & Examples
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Iago Quotes in Othello

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Character Analysis of Iago From Shakespeare's Othello Michael McGlasson

According to the great English essayist and scholar William Hazlitt, the character of Iago from William Shakespeare's masterpiece Othello "is one of the supererogations of Shakespeare's genius," due the fact that Iago's "villainy is without a sufficient motive" (345). Othello is one of the four great tragedies written during Shakespeare's period of despair when the bard seemed to be concerned with the struggle of good over evil. Iago, the villain in Othello, is perhaps the most sadistic and consummately evil character in all English literature and his eventual downfall illustrates the triumph of love over hate, a key theme in many of Shakespeare's plays.

Iago, an ensign serving under Othello, the Moorish commander of the armed forces of Venice, is undoubtedly the most interesting and perplexing character in Othello. This is supported not only by what he says in the play but also through his actions, both of which enable him to skillfully manipulate those in his orbit in order to boost his huge ego and propel him closer to his personal, evil goals. As the consummate villain, Iago serves as the primary driving force in the play which inevitably directs the other characters towards their...

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Character of Iago in Othello

Table of Contents

Villian and Heartless

Iago’s character in the play Othello is one of the most supreme creation of Shakespeare in terms of its individuality in characteristics which are so close to the true nature of humanity.

He is a great actor who calls every other character into action under his careful watch and no one is able to sense his deception until the very end.

In the very beginning, we get to know that the revenge he is seeking is due to his worth going unacknowledged by Othello who appointed someone else as a lieutenant rather than appointing him.

Well Aware of Weakness

Iago’s character shows a deep understanding of human beings. He knows the true essence and weakness of characters like Othello, Desdemona, Roderigo, Cassio and even his own wife Emilia but he uses such an understanding in the evilest way.

He shows contempt for human kinds but at the same time, he believes in advancement in life which makes him a very worldly-wise man.

The Extreme Evil

Go back to the Shakespeare page for more texts and other resources.

An Analysis of Iago's Manipulation of Each of the Characters in Othello

The essay describes in detail Iago's manipulation of Cassio, Desdemona, Emilia, Roderigo, and Othello.

From beginning to end Iago moves the characters of Othello as if they were chessmen. He uses their individual aspirations and passions to motivate them to whatever devious plan he desires. His adroit manipulation of those characters range from convincing Roderigo to serve Cassio another glass of wine, to leading Othello to the conclusion that only by killing Desdemona could he save himself and mankind from her treacherous acts of infidelity. However, in each case Iago doesn?t have to push very hard because his suggested actions either seem harmless resolutions to each character?s woes or take advantage of character flaws. In each case, because he does not have to push very hard, he is able to maintain an air of apathy while promoting his ultimate malevolent goals: ?I am not what I am?(I, i, 71). In this manner, Iago manipulates Cassio, Desdemona, Emilia, Roderigo, and Othello to play their separate pieces in the puzzle that will ultimately mean Desdemona?s death. Iago takes advantage of both Cassio?s yearning for his old position of lieutenant as well as Desdemona?s good-hearted nature in order create the image that Desdemona is being unfaithful with him. Cassio loses his lieutenancy do to his drunkenness and brawl with Roderigo and Montano: ?I love thee, but nevermore be lieutenant of mine? (II,iii,264-265). Dejected, Iago turns to Iago, a self-proclaimed, ?honest man?(II,iii,285), who happens to be nearby. Iago has succeeded in reducing Cassio to a pitiful state; a state in which he will be highly suggestible due to his desperation. Iago first comforts Cassio asserting that, ?Reputation is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without merit and lost without deserving?(II, iii, 287-9), which is ironic since Iago has a reputation as an honest man when he deceives routinely, while Cassio is now considered a wild drunk when in reality he is Othello?s dearest ally. Iago states that, ?Our general?s wife is now the general?(II, iii, 333-4), and that with her as his petitioner his relationship with Othello, ?shall grow stronger than it was before?(II, iii, 344-5). In this scene, Iago masterfully utilizes Cassio?s low tolerance for alcohol, to rob him of his position. He then plants the idea of using Desdemona as his supplicant, on the newly impressionable Cassio. And therein lies Iago?s mastery; he reduces his chessmen to such a state that a mere seemingly well-meaning whisper on his part coaxes them toward his action. Iago?s manipulation of Desdemona occurs through Cassio. He exploits Desdemona?s natural proclivity to help others, toward his dark purpose; he ?turn[s] her virtue into pitch?(II, iii, 380). Iago is a satanic figure who endeavors to pervert that which is pure and good. Through his suggestion to Cassio, Iago can now be certain that Cassio will entreat Desdemona to petition for him with Othello. Cassio does implore Desdemona for he aid and predictably she responds that, ?Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do all my abilities in thy behalf.?(III, iii, 1-2), and thus Iago?s plan succeeds. Iago will use their interaction to further extend his evil plot. Iago?s suggestions to Othello will cause him to construe Desdemona?s pleas for Cassio, as pleas for her paramour. Each time she suggests, ?[Cassio?s] present reconciliation take?(III, iii, 51), ?she shall undo her credit with [Othello]?(II, iii, 379), further. Thus Iago manipulates Desdemona?s wholesome urge into entreaties who fall as proofs of infidelity on Othello?s ear. Iago also manipulates the undeserving devotion that Emilia shows him. We learn from Emilia at the end of the play that Iago, ?begged [her] to steal?(V, ii, 272), the handkerchief that Othello gave to Desdemona: ?that handkerchief?I found by fortune, and did give me husband?(V, ii, 267-9). Iago?s manipulation of his wife is tragic; she clearly sees his ?wayward?(III, iii, 336) nature, and yet she remains obedient even though she knows that it is her mistress?s, ?first remembrance of the Moor?(III, iii, 335). Like Desdemona?s good nature, Iago exploits Emilia?s devotion toward his malicious goals. He then, ?lose[s] this napkin?in Cassio's lodging?, where it will serve as the ?ocular proof? that Othello demanded before concluding that Desdemona was unfaithful. Thus, as Iago was able to control Desdemona through her character flaw of good will, he is similarly able to bend Emilia to his purpose by exploiting her spousal devotion. In Roderigo?s case, Iago manipulates both his obtuseness, as well as his desperate love for Desdemona. By exploiting Roderigo?s dimwitted nature, Iago is able to attain any monetary resources he wishes. Roderigo?s mental function is also inhibited by his love for Desdemona, which shames him in its strength: ?I confess it is my shame to be so fond, but it is no in my virtue to amend it?. Thus, with the promise that Desdemona might be swayed to divorce Othello and marry Roderigo, Iago procures whatever funds he wishes: ?Thus do I ever make my fool my purse?(I, iii, 426). Roderigo desperately desires Desdemona and is unable to reason that no amount of money will help the situation. Iago seizes upon Roderigo?s inability to draw this conclusion, and slowly bleeds Roderigo?s purse. By simply stating to Roderigo that, ?[Desdemona?s] eye must be fed?(II, i, 246), and that ?Desdemona is directly in love with [Cassio] ?(II, i, 240), he convinces his impressionable cretin. Thus Roderigo simply accepts Iago?s unlikely theory, given Desdemona?s exceedingly chaste nature, without a shred of proof. Iago is a puppeteer that knows just how to play on Roderigo?s weaknesses to produce the desired affect. Iago. Iago?s recognition of Roderigo?s weakness in his love for Desdemona is clear: ?my sick fool Roderigo, whom love hath turn'd almost the wrong side out?(II, iii, 52-54). Iago?s manipulation of Roderigo is indeed perfect; the more he fails in securing Desdemona?s love for Roderigo, the more desperate for it Roderigo becomes. Given that Roderigo threatened to, ?incontinently drown [him]self?(I, iii, 347), his desperation for Desdemona?s love at this point in the play has reached a feverish pitch. In this incapacitated mental state Roderigo accepts Iago?s suggestion that he kill Cassio: ?I have no great devotion to the deed; and yet he hath given me satisfying reasons?(V, i, . Yet in the audience we wonder, what ?satisfying reasons?? Iago has offered only wild conjecture and no proof. Yet, Iago successfully manipulates Roderigo to his purposes, as he and Cassio fight, leaving only Cassio for Iago to deal with. Finally, Iago?s most destructive manipulation of the characters of Othello, is his manipulation of Othello himself. Othello?s insecurities about his race are what Iago uses to bend him to his will. In his discourse to the Duke, Othello?s love seems elevated and pure. It is filled with religious words such as ?pilgrimage? and ?prayer? which demonstrate both the strength and sanctity of their love. Yet, by the end of the play Iago has so poisoned Othello?s soul that he is convinced that, ?[Desdemona] must die, else she'll betray more men?(V, ii, 6). How did this radical change occur? It is Iago?s gentle prodding and toying with Othello. First, Iago uses Othello?s blackness to create doubt in his mind: ?Whereto we see in all things nature tends. Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank, Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural?(III, iii, 271-273). Also, Iago takes advantage of Othello?s alienation from Venice to create further doubt mentioning that for the women of Venice, ?their best conscience is not to leave undone, but keep unknown?. Othello?s insecurities, Iago knows, will bolster his argument. Desdemona?s very choosing of Othello indicates that there is something wrong with her. Knowing these insecurities reside in the Othello?s mind, Iago begins dropping subtle hints such as, ?I like not that?(III, iii, 37), that he knows will plaque Othello?s mind. Iago immediately repents saying, ?I cannot think it that he would steal away so guiltylike?(III, iii, 41-42), yet he is masterfully planted a seed of doubt in Othello?s mind. As this seed takes root in Othello?s mind Iago need only supply, ?trifles light as air?, which Othello demands from Iago: ?Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore?(III, iii, 411). Iago, then supplies him with the ?ocular proof? that he demands, ?I know not that: but such a handkerchief,-- I am sure it was your wife's,--did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with?(III, iii, 496-8). And thus, with this sole shred of proof, that Othello does not even see himself, Iago has completely bent Othello to his purpose: ?O, blood, blood, blood!?(III, iii, 512). Thus, because Iago is able to exploit Othello?s insecurities about being black in Venice, he is able to easily manipulate him using only hints and thin proofs. Put out the light, and then put out the light In conclusion, Iago harnesses individual character flaws and situations throughout the play, to serve his own demonic purpose. Indeed, Iago is a satanic character whose manipulations often involve perverting that which is good and moral into a pitifully depraved heap. This theme reverberates throughout the play. Only as the setting moves from Venice to Cyprus, order to chaos, is Iago able to blacken each character?s soul or appearance. In this manner, Shakespeare warns of the corruptibility of society when it veers from the order of a dominant patriarchy.

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Iago — Iago: Character’s Literary Study

Iago: Character's Literary Study

• Categories: Iago Othello William Shakespeare

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Words: 915 |

Published: Jun 29, 2018

Words: 915 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Bibliography

• Hazlitt, William. Characters of Shakespeare's Plays. London: C.H. Reynell, 1817.
• Spencer, T.J.B., ed. Othello, By William Shakespeare. New York: Penquin Classics, 1981.

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Critical Analysis of the Characters Othello and Iago in the Play " Othello " by William Shakespeare

The basic purpose of the study is the character analysis of Othello and Iago in the play Othello by William Shakespeare.Although Othello has regularly been praised as William Shakespeare's most cohesive tragedy, many critics have discovered the primary person, Othello, to be the most unheroic of Shakespeare's heroes.More so than in every other Shakespeare's play, one individual, Iago, is the stage supervisor of the entire action of the play. Once he decided to destroy Othello, he proceeds by plotting and through inference to gain his goal. He tells others just what he desires them to understand, sets one character against any other, and develops an elaborate web of circumstantial to target Othello.The researchers have tried their level best to show readers that, either Iago is responsible for this tragedy or Othello himself has some tragic flaws. The methodology used in this research was qualitative. Both the characters, Othello and Iago, are universal characters with some fatal flaw, fate or external forces driving them. This play tried to investigate that how particular choices made by the men lead to their tragic end.

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This paper follows the critical lines of feminism and psychoanalysis to argue that Othello is a conflict between female characters' moral voices and male figures' treacherous voices. Drawing on the concepts of Jungian and Freudian psychoanalysis, I argue that the association of female speech and silence with sexuality is a projection of misogynist and racist discourses. I read Iago's projection of his evil onto Othello as a verbal intercourse of homosexuality. The cause of tragedy emanates from the fact that Othello weds his shadow, Iago and ignores his anima, Desdemona. While the verbal marriage between Othello and Iago results in Othello's accusation of Desdemona of being a whore, I argue that Desdemona escapes this category because a boy actor impersonates her physically and vocally. I argue that Othello stages for audiences in contemporary Palestine male figures' deafness to feminist views. While Othello's marriage to Desdemona symbolizes his integration into Venetian society, his murder of Desdemona signals the loss of his heroic identity and the dissolution of his link to Venice. In contrast, killing the supposedly aggressive female figures in Palestine marks the public respect of the killer. Furthermore, I use the romance of Antar (525-608) as a Palestinian literary intertext to scrutinize the significance of female figures in constructing male figures' heroic identity and the racial discourse that the Romance of Antar and Othello embodies.

The aim of this article is to compare and contrast the portrayal of the temptation scene in both Orson Welles’s film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Othello (1952) and Folias d’Arte’s theatrical production of the same play, which premiered in 2003 in São Paulo, in order to identify and analyze the depiction of Iago’s manipulative schemes towards Othello. The temptation scene is considered a crucial moment in the play in which Iago cleverly gathers all his strength as a strategist to influence Othello’s mind with the idea that Desdemona is betraying him with Cassio−and Iago achieves such obstinate goal.

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