How Is Iago Presented In Othello

Examine the presentation of Iago in acts one and two.
Sophie

Shakespeare has created the character of Iago as the villain of the play. He drives the plot as he schemes and manipulated other characters. He fascinates and terrifies the audience with his revengeful plotting which he has no real motivation for. In Iago’s first big speech he is already moaning about not being promoted giving of a negative feel to his character and declaring his hatred for Othello. Within his first ten lines of the play he tells the audience that this man who did not promote him loves his own pride and purposes. This highlights Iago’s unnecessary jealousy and resentment. After insulting this man he then moves onto Cassio, the man who was promoted instead of
I will/ gyve thee in thine own courtship. Iago is always plotting behind other things that are happening and always thinking of things that may help his plan. From the way Cassio and Othello talk about Iago we can see he is very cunning in making them think he is their friend. He hides his true intentions very well. Othello calls him most honest, which also has dramatic irony because we really know what Iago is up to. This shows the qualities of the worst villain, he is clever and sly but the other characters still hold him in high regards. Just before the fight starts Iago starts to manipulate and influence Montano’s views of Cassio as he says He’ll watch the horologe a double set,/ if drink rock not his cradle. After Othello finds out there has been a fight Iago uses his words very carefully to put Cassio in the frame. By saying I had rather had this tongue cut from my mouth/ Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio he puts Cassio in the frame but also seems like he is protecting him. This is clever as it means Othello will fire Cassio but will also favour Iago for being truthful and loyal. He latter says to Iago Thy honesty and love doth mince this