Othello: Iago's Villain

Iago claims the role of villain from the very beginning of Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, telling the audience, “I follow but myself” (1.1.57).* Both Iago and Othello are guilty of horrendous acts and the murders of their wives. However, it is Iago’s aim to create havoc, and seeming lack of remorse for his actions, which instates him as the villain. Contrarily, Othello’s intentions are more sympathetic to the audience. Therefore, Iago is seen as the villain of Othello because of his intentions rather than his actions. Iago admits his to his vile manipulation throughout Othello. Often, the audience is allowed a glimpse of Iago’s truly wicked thoughts and plans, and this dramatic irony gives the audience an intimate portrayal of Iago’s villainy. Iago asks the audience, “what’s he then that says I play the villain? / when this advice is free I give and honest” (2.3.330-1). Iago is essentially saying that his work is not villainous, as he simply advises the other characters. It is his intention behind the act of advising, to create an illusion of adultery between Cassio and Desdemona, which makes him a villain. …show more content…
Desperate to woo Desdemona, Roderigo is the first character to be manipulated by Iago. Roderigo is driven to ruin by Iago who uses him for his money and an attempt to murder Cassio. Later, Iago manipulates Cassio by encouraging him to drink too much and then creating an explosive situation between Cassio, Roderigo, and Montano. Cassio commits the crime of stabbing Montano, leaving Iago clear of blame. These manipulations are all leading up to Iago’s major act of deception, which is to create an illusion that Desdemona is unfaithful to her husband Othello with