How is iago characterized in othello

He meticulously observes the other characters and also uncovers their weaknesses. Iago uses it against them which. The first symptom that Iago exhibits is deceitfulness. Iago spends the entirety of his time during the course of the play manipulation others and indulging in deceitful behaviors.

Throughout the plays run Iago puts forth a facade, making himself seem trustworthy in order to. What does this quote mean when trying to define Iago as a character in the play Othello by Shakespeare?

Some places would describe Iago as one of the greatest. Iago, in Shakespeare's Othello, is a deceiving character because he tells lies in order to get what he wants. He interacts with people only to manipulate them, but most importantly he never reveals his true feelings or motives. Iago might say things that suggest what his motive is, but he soon contradicts himself with another suggestion making it extremely difficult to understand him. Although Iago's true motives cannot be determined, some motives could be jealousy, the enjoyment of seeing people.

With his carefully thought out plans, he is able to manipulate others to do things in a way that helps him and moves him closer towards what in his mind is revenge against Othello. He is the main antagonist in this play, pushing Othello and everyone else towards their end. Iago manages to commit all seven deadly sins. He constantly uses his good reputation for dishonorable purposes. His talent. Iago is a very complex and manipulative character. How does Emilia help Iago?

How does Iago use Bianca to trick Othello? Why does Iago hate Cassio? Why does Roderigo wake up Brabantio? Why does Othello go to Cyprus? Why does Roderigo agree to kill Cassio? Does Cassio die? You don't like the "motiveless malignancy" theory? Here's another explanation that some critics like: Iago secretly wants to get it on with Othello and ends up hurting Othello because he's jealous of Desdemona. Orson Welles seemed partial to this idea—his film version of the drama exploits the homoerotic undertones of the play, and Iago basically woos Othello away from Desdemona.

If you think this idea may be worth exploring or if you just want to know what the heck Orson Welles was thinking , be sure to check out the end of Act 3, Scene 3 , where Othello makes Iago his new lieutenant and Iago vows to kill Cassio:. IAGO Do not rise yet. Iago kneels. Witness, you ever-burning lights above, You elements that clip us round about, Witness that here Iago doth give up The execution of his wit, hands, heart To wronged Othello's service!

Let him command, And to obey shall be in me remorse, What bloody business ever. This sounds a whole lot like a 16th century wedding ceremony No matter how you choose to interpret it, think about the fact that Iago is often our focus in this play. We follow his storyline more than Othello's, and we spend more time with him than Othello. We watch him in a variety of relationships—his manipulation of Roderigo, his treatment of his wife, his pseudo-friendship with Othello.

If it weren't for the fact that Iago undergoes basically zero changes, you could even argue that he's the main character. Parents Home Homeschool College Resources. Study Guide. By William Shakespeare. Previous Next. Iago Click the character infographic to download.