The reason for Iago's success is his ability to manipulate both the strengths and weaknesses of his enemies.

A fundamental reason for Iago's success is his ability to appear 'honest', which therefore giving him the power to manipulate and influence other characters. Iago manages to appear honest partly because of natural characteristics and partly because he purposely sets out to look honest. Before Iago can even begin to initiate his plan he is referred to as honest by many of the characters. This would suggest that this is a fundamental characteristic of his. Iago is able utilise the strengths and weaknesses of the characters effectively. Because Iago is so articulate he is easily able to manipulate Othello due to his lack of strentgh with conversation. This is also seen when he defends Cassio after the drunken brawl. Iago speaks with hesitation and refers to Cassio being a friend several times. Appearing honest, respectful and reliable allows him to gain favour with all characters, especially those of Cassio and Othello, allowing him to influence them. The success of Iago's deceptive honesty is most clearly seen in the final scene of the play in which the truth of his dishonesty is revealed.

Reputation in Othello

The significance of reputation in relation to the following characters:

Desdemona

Desdemona's reputation is her gateway to the world community; it goes before her to tell others of her honesty, trustworthiness, and ethos. It is the first thing that flatters Desdemona to her peers, and it is the last thing she wants to see harmed. However Desdemona goes against this by disobeying her father and marrying Othello, which Brabantio disowns her. "Ay, to me..Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense, Sans witchcraft could not." As Brabantio refers to Desdemona has being dead to him.

Cassio

Cassio's changing reputation played a big role in the play as well. Reputation was everything to Cassio, but once demoted he began to act differently and couldn't face Othello. "I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial." (2.3). After Cassio is demoted Othello loses faith in his once good friend because of his tarnished reputation. Had Cassio not gotten drunk, Iago wouldn't have been able to convince Othello that he was cheating with Desdemona. He was too loyal of a friend and had always followed orders.

Iago

Iago's reputation played a key role in the play. Everyone thought of Iago as an honest man. "You advise me well... goodnight honest Iago." (2.3). Iago convinces everyone that he is noble and honest man and he uses this to his advantage. Without this cover he would never have been able to get Othello to believe that Desdemona would cheat on him. Just for suggesting that Desdemona would cheat on him, he probably would have killed Iago were it not for his reputation. Nobody suspects that Iago is a deceitful man and would plot to destroy Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio in such a cunning way. Iago uses his reputation to manipulate Othello and set his plan in motion and complete it. Without Iago's honest reputation would never had allowed him smear Cassio and cause the death of Desdemona and ultimately Othello as well.

Character Profile - Iago

How would you describe this character's personality?

Iago was very selfish and self-centred, he was filled with hate and jealousy. As Othello was a play about revenge, jealousy and abuse of trust, Iago was the puppet master for all the events happening. He used the trust he had from others to his advantage and created a world of suspicion and betrayal among his "friends"

How is this character viewed by other people in the play?

Iago is always viewed by others as "honest Iago, a supposedly honorable, reliable individual. However, in his goal to get revenge on those who he believes have wrongfully taken his position, or the woman he desires, he does not hesitate to abuse this trust to his advantage. In the play, Iago manipulates three minor characters in differing ways for his own purposes, but each one reacts differently to his trickery, and thus each have a different outcome. However through the reader/audiences eye, they are all aware he is a villain.

What relationship does this person have to to others in the play?

Iago is seen as a very trusted person in the play throughout the majority of characters. He is seen as someone who is very reliable and respectful.

What does this character's main role seem to be?

We are first introduced to Iago in the opening scene, and learn that he is a very vengeful character, trying to wreck his superior’s relationship for the following possible reasons:

• The fact that Cassio, an “arithmetician” and who “never set a squadron in the field” was promoted over him
• Racism, Othello was living in a world of prejudice, but still made a worthy general and Iago is disgusted at “a black ram tupping a white ewe”
• The suspicions that Emelia may have been unfaithful to him are revealed in a later soliloquy, though this is never confirmed
• Jealousy of Othello’s and Desdemona’s happy relationship

Character Profile - Othello

How would you describe the character's personality?

Othello in the beginning of the play is viewed as very brave and a strong character, however as the play progresses Othello becomes very emotional, reacting with his ego rather than his head. As Iago begins to manipulate Othello more and more and making him believe that Desdemona has cheated on him, his self esteem and confidence decreases. This makes him to believe he is unworthy of Desdemona. "Haply, for I am black and have not those soft parts of conversation that chambers have, or for I am declined into the value of years - yet that's not much..." (3.3).

How is this character viewed by other people in the play?
Othello is very respected in Venice by everyone, which is shown because of his high status considering he is of different colour. Everyone treats Othello with much respect, even Iago despite the fact that he is hiding his true hatred for Othello.

What relationship does this person have to others in the play?

From the very beginning there is a strong sense of distance and ostracism. Othello's Moorish descent leaves him in an odd situation with the other characters. He is almost a distant, figurative character at first, a kind of shadow in the play. There are hints at his presence and importance, but it's hidden well. The actor must note this and give their own interpretation of the character with mystery and withdrawal from the busyness and interaction of earlier parts of the play. The character must be withdrawn from the rest but in a subtle way that the audience does not dwell on it too much.