Iago's character and role in Othello the Moor of Venice

Plot Manipulation With Iago in "Othello, the Moor of Venice"

Iago is an interesting figure in Shakespeare's Othello. As a soldier who is Othello's ensign (standard bearer), he is an objective observer of Othello's life and affairs and can tell the audience a lot about what is chance and coincidence shape the event's of his master's life. In his long life of service, Iago fought by Othello's side in battle and stood by that same side during times of peace. As such, Iago has become Othello's most trusted advisor.

However, this relationship is strained. At the beginning of piece, the audience hears Iago claim to have been unfairly passed over for promotion to the rank of lieutenant in the favor of Michael Cassio. Iago plots then to make Othello to demote Cassio. When this does not work, he then begins to plan the betrayal and downfall of Othello. Iago's ally Roderigo assists him in the mistaken hope that after Othello's downfall that Iago will help Roderigo earn the affection of Desdemona, Othello's wife.

It does not appear that chance and coincidence are issues here as much as it is Shakespeare's manipulation of incidents to move the plot along in the desired direction. After all, plot and conspiracy, if well executed leaves little to chance. After all, as Raatzsch points out, Iago sounds like "ego (Raatzsch 1)." The "id" wants to be satisfied and will not allow for chance. It plots and plans to make sure that it gets what it wants as surely as the sun rises and sets.

For instance, in 3.3, Iago manipulates his wife, Emilia into taking from Desdemona a handkerchief that Othello had given her. Then, he tells Othello that he saw it in Cassio's possession. This type of manipulation is systematic and planned, although opportunity might be grasped if it fits into the plan. However, Iago usually stuck to plan so he could count precisely upon the results. After all, he was a military man, schooled in the tactical planning and execution of battle plans and motions. This planning and execution reflected the aspects of his personality that flourished well in the military and political world of the Italian city states. A Machiavellian schemer, he manipulates all around him and stays in character so that no one suspects him. All around him count on him as a person most likely to be truthful.

A.C. Bradley, a Shakespearean critic, remarks that "evil has nowhere else been portrayed with such mastery as in the evil character of Iago (Bradley 169)." This manipulating, evil and unremitting character is precise and stays with the plan. Only when the plan falls apart does he fail. This manipulative character is at the center of William Shakespeare's manipulation of the plot to move things along and keep the action constant.