Iago (Othello)

Iago is the main villain in the play Othello by William Shakespeare. He is a sociopath and without real emotions. He presents himself to others as an honest man, but that is only a cover for his true, evil nature. Iago is a Venetian soldier, who serves under General Othello, a Moor, and leader of the Venetian armed forces. As he was an experienced soldier and had served under Othello for many years, Iago had expected to be promoted to lieutenant.

However, the less experienced Michael Cassio was given the position instead. This, as well as the rumor that Othello had carried on an affair with Iago's wife Emilia, causes him to hate the moor. Iago decides to completely destroy both Othello and Cassio. He goes about this by trying to convince Othello that his new Venetian wife Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.

Iago begins his plan by getting Cassio drunk, which results in him attacking another soldier named Montano. This causes Othello to demote Cassio. then tells Cassio to ask Desdemona to intercede on his behalf. Iago is with Othello when Desdemona reqeusts Cassio's reinstatement, and hints to him that Cassio and Desdemona may be dallying behind his back.

As evidence, Iago has Emillia steal a handkerchief from Desdemona, which had been given to her by Othello. Iago then plants the handkerchief in Cassio's quarters, and leads Othello to witness Cassio giving it to his mistress Bianca. This thoroughly convinces Othello of Desdemona's infidelity. Othello agrees to murder Desdemona while Iago agrees to murder Cassio.

That night, Iago and his accomplice Roderigo make a botched attempt to kill Cassio, after which Iago has to kill Roderigo to keep him from talking. At the same moment, Othello smothers his wife to death. Emilia arrives on the scene, shortly followed by Iago. Emilia reveals that she gave the handkerchief to her husband, after which Iago kills her and runs off, only to be captured and brought back by Cassio and his allies. Othello kills himself out of grief, and Cassio, now in charge, condemns Iago to torture and imprisonment.