Othello Character

Iago.

Jealousy
Iago’s jealousy is the catalyst of the play, as it is his jealousy that drives him to ruin Othello. It is evident in Act I scene I that Iago is jealous that Cassio got the position of lieutenant even though “That never set a squadron in the field, nor the division of a battle knows more than a spinster – unless the bookish theoric, wherein the tongued consuls can propose as masterly as he. Mere prattle without practice is all his soldiership.” (I.i. 21-27) Iago clearly thinks that Cassio was the wrong choice, as he has never been out in battle and is unskilled. Unlike Cassio, Iago has the skills and battle experience “And I (of whom has eyes had seen the proof at Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds Christened and heathen) must be beleed and calmed by debitor and creditor.” Othello has seen Iago in action on the field and yet still chose Cassio. Not only is the jealousy of being passed as lieutenant drives Iago but also the possibility of Othello sleeping with his wife “And it is though abroad that ‘twixt my sheets h’as done my office” (I.iii. 379-380) gives Iago even more of a reason to set out and ruin Othello’s life.
Mischievous
With the intent of destroying Othello, Iago gets to work on what he can use against Othello to hurt him. Iago becomes very observant of his surroundings, noting what “evidence” he can work with to his advantage. Iago is able to use Cassio's close friendship with Desdemona to poison Othello's mind, convincing him that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair “I speak not yet of proof. Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure. I would not have your free and noble nature, out of self-bounty, be abused. Look to’t. I know our country disposition well: in Venice they do let God see the pranks they dare not show their husbands; their best conscience is not to leave’t undone, but keep’t unknown.” (III.iii. 196-203) Iago is setting in motion his plan in convincing that Desdemona and Cassio are more than “friends”. Iago well knows that Othello trusts him completely; giving more reason in which he knows his plan will be very successful being able to drive Othello into a fit of jealous rage. “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 . . . And give’t Iago. What he will do with it heaven knows, not I; I nothing but to please his fantasy.” (III.iii. 290-299) Iago was able to manipulate his own wife, Emilia, into getting the handkerchief for him. She was successful, however only lucky that Desdemona drops it. With the handkerchief in his possession, Iago is able to fully plant seeds of doubt into Othello’s mind.

Manipulative
Iago is fully aware of how well he is at manipulating people, especially with the foolish Roderigo. Roderigo, hopelessly in love with Desdemona and foolish enough to let Iago “set” them up will do anything to make Desdemona his. Iago is able to fool Roderigo into killing Cassio, since Iago does not want to get his hands dirty. “O, no; he goes into Mauritania and taketh away with him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered here by accident; wherein none can be so determinate as the removing of Cassio” (IV.ii. 224-226). Iago lies to Roderigo, saying the only way to prevent Othello in taking Desdemona with him is to get rid of Cassio. He persuades Roderigo, saying that he is just the man for “knocking out his brains” (IV.ii. 229). Roderigo, thinking this is his chance to win Desdemona over, whole-heartedly agrees to get rid of Cassio. Not only does Iago take full advantage of Iago, but also everyone around him from Othello, Desdemona, and even his own wife Emilia. Iago manipulates Emilia into getting the handkerchief for him, which enables him to set most of his plan into framing Cassio and Desdemona, into motion. Iago, the evil villain of the play, is able to use his manipulative skills to his advantage, having the power of having everyone wrapped around his finger.m