Essay on Iago; The Representation of Villainy in Othello

A villain is defined as an evil character in a novel, movie, play, or other story, especially one who is the main enemy of the hero according to Encarta Dictionary. In Othello, Iago fits this definition perfectly though Othello does not recognize that Iago is his enemy until the end of the story. Iago is the evil-minded, backstabbing character in this dramatic story. He demonstrates this villainy act all through out the story beginning with being angry with Othello for not appointing him as lieutenant, his revenge on cassio for taking his place as lieutenant, and setting up Desdemona to look like she is cheating on Othello. His machinations are so effective because they flow consistently. From the very start, Iagos manipulations†¦show more content†¦Cassio is least fortunate than Othello. Cassio has been a target since the beginning of the story also not because of anger, but because of revenge. Poor Cassio does not have a clue about any of the misleading telltales th at Iago has influenced Othello to believe. After Iago gains Othellos trust, he devices a plan to plant Othellos handkerchief on Cassios bed, setting Desdemona and Cassio up so when Othello asks Cassio for his handkerchief, Cassio would show it to Othello thus proving that Desdemona and Cassio were having an affair. Before all this, Emilia, Iagos wife, finds the handkerchief from Desdemonas bedroom and gives it to Iago later that night, allowing the plan to work out which she has no idea about. Othello by now is already distrusting Desdemona as well as looking down on her. By Act 3, Scene 3, Othello has every right to believe Iago because his trust is on him and his words are factual. Desdemona cannot influence Othello to believe in her. All the signs prove that she is a liar. Desdemona is the least most fortunate innocent character in this story. Throughout the whole story, she has been the one that has been faithful. Iagos intention is to help Rodrigo attain Desdemona, but also at the same time ruin Othello. Othello believes that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair because they talk among one another in secret in regards to reappointing Cassio as lieutenant after being demoted for fightingShow MoreRelatedOthello Character Analysis1678 Words   |  7 Pagesmasterpieces and tragedies such as Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, King Lear and Romeo and Juliet caused a remarkable turning point in English literature as whole, and English drama in particular.His play Othellois one of his unforgettable tragedies. The play of Othello is the finest example of Shakespeare’s poetic and narrative style. Thus, Shakespeare is known as the most influential dramatist whose tragedies found the way to interact with the audience.Shakespeare’s Othello is about jealousy, revenge and deceptionRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1456 Words   |  6 Pages Othello, a tragic play written by William Shakespeare centers around the characters and the conflict that arise as a result of the character’s perception of the world. Each character’s self-influenced perception of truth and appearance either blinds them from deception or enables them to manipulate others. Othello is virtuous, trustworthy, and naive and believes that people are what they appear to be which ultimately results in his demise. Lagos, on the other hand, is a complicated character