Othello

Iago. One of Shakespeare’s most notorious villains and fascinating characters. He even has more lines than the character Othello, whom the play it titled after. Shakespeare does such a good job of making the reader despise Iago’s character one almost starts to admire him for his cunning intelligence. People relate Iago to that one schemer they know, or that politician who seems to have some master plan and makes even the purest of souls succumb to it. A true Shakespearian masterpiece, Iago lives on as a timeless character that continues to be a reference point to any villain in entertainment, pop culture or politics today. Part of Iago’s appeal as literary genius is his contrast to Othello. For all of Othello’s integrity honor and righteousness Iago possesses the opposite and is able to manipulate Othello- and the rest of the cast- to get his way. Iago’s way of earning the trust of his companions only to abuse it and often harm them only adds to his complexity and evilness; he is the first one there for comfort and condolences, yet he is able to use that trust how he pleases. His lack of motivation, and the ease at which he jumps on revenge and plots of destruction make it hard to find a more notorious character in literature. Iago’s plans finally come crashing down around him, but not after he has ruined or killed- directly or indirectly- many of those around him. How do these Villains Compare to Iago?