Honest Iago

Honest Iago


The most interesting and round character in the tragic play Othello, by William Shakespeare, is “honest” Iago. Through carefully thought-out words and actions, Iago manipulates others to do things in which he benefits. Iago is the main driving force in “Othello,” pushing several characters toward their tragic end.

Iago is not a traditional villain for he plays a unique and complex role. Unlike most villains in tragic plays, evidence of Iago’s deception is not clearly visible. Iago is smart and an excellent judge of people and their character. He uses this keen sense of knowledge to his advantage. For example, Iago knows that Roderigo has feelings for Desdemona and assumes he would do anything to have her as his own. Iago attempts to manipulate Roderigo.

IAGO: It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love to a Moor- put
money in thy purse-nor he his to her. It was a violent commencement in
...