To what extent is Iago not an evil character but simply a cunning manipulator of circumstances, people and language?

To what extent do you believe that Iago is not an evil character but simply a cunning manipulator of circumstances, people and language?

The play “Othello” by William Shakespeare can be explored, and analysed, on many different levels and indeed has been. There are many themes running through the play, a prominent one being the battle of good versus evil. Othello, Desdemona and Cassio clearly represent while Iago is thought to be the force of evil. But is this the case? To investigate whether Iago is evil or simply a master of manipulation, a dictionary definition of evil should be noted. Evil is defined as: ‘morally bad or wicked’ or ‘tending to harm intentionally.’ To ascertain whether Iago’s intentions can lead to him being described as ‘evil’, the text and major events have to be fully analysed.

Early on in the play, the audience discovers that Iago is very well thought of in society and considered to be a ‘man of honesty and trust’ by amongst others, O...