Shakespeare’s Othello follows the machinations of Iago and Roderigo, to a lesser extent, to harm the African general of the Venetian army, Othello. Roderigo goes to Iago, Othello’s ensign or advisor, for help to get Othello’s wife, Desdemona. Iago and Roderigo frame an affair between Othello’s lieutenant, Cassio, and Desdemona in order to strip Cassio of his position and break up Othello and Desdemona. What solidifies Othello ending tragically instead of hilariously is in Act III Scene iii when Othello swears to kill both Desdemona and Cassio for their unfaithfulness. Throughout Act III Iago is convincing Othello that both his wife and his lieutenant are engaging in trysts behind his back and Iago sets up Desdemona and Cassio in situations
