The most recognizable character in Othello that has different identities is Iago. In public, …show more content…
This can be seen when Othello compliments Iago throughout the play, saying, “This fellow is exceedingly honest and knows all qualities, with a learned spirit, of human dealings” (3.3.299-301). Othello truly believes that Iago is loyal to him and in no way depraved or baneful. Even near the very end of the play, Othello still thinks that Iago is loyal, when he stabs Cassio. Othello says, "O brave Iago, honest and just, that hast such noble sense of thy friend's wrong! Thou teachest me" (5.1.31-33). Iago’s public identity is so convincing that nobody suspects him through the entire play. Iago needs to acts extremely nice to everyone in public, because that is the best way he can get people to trust him. He needs people’s trust so he can betray and hurt them in the future. A main reason that Iago’s plan works so well is that Othello, and many other characters like his public identity and never question his veracity. On the opposite side of the spectrum, in private, Iago