The name ‘Iago’ is now synonymous with the word ‘villain’, as aptly demonstrated in Disney’s Aladdin.
In Othello, Shakespeare has created one of the most Machiavellian villains ever to grace the stage. It is easy to view Iago as simply an evil character. However, if that were all there was to him, he would appear uninteresting and trite, which could not be further from the truth. So, what is it about the character of Iago that prompts such intrigue, interest and allure?
Iago’s Motivation
As with any self-respecting Machiavellian character, Iago is chiefly motivated by ambition. From the first scene, he makes it known that he desires the post of lieutenant.
There are some parallels to be drawn here between Iago and King Richard from Richard III. However, unlike Iago, Richard does achieve the position he craves. Iago‘s actions, on the other hand, are attempts to exact revenge on the two people who have denied his ambition: Othello and Cassio. He never reaches his position of power, but he does ensure that those responsible pay for it.
In addition, there is a suggestion that Othello may have had an affair with Iago’s wife, Emilia, “…it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets ’Has done my office.”(I.iii) However, the audience never discovers whether this accusation is based on fact. Iago’s reaction, “I know not if’s be true; Yet I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety.”(I.iii), seems to suggest that it is not.
The Talents of Iago
From the very beginning of the play, the audience is introduced to his talents for manipulation and deceit. Additionally, from Scene One, an audience can observe Iago’s ability to use an individual’s weakness to his advantage. Initially, this is demonstrated in his manipulation of Roderigo’s infatuation with Desdemona.
Later, an audience observes his masterful cunning and skillful lies to manipulate Othello’s insecurities and sow the seeds of doubt that will result in his tragic downfall.
It could be argued that part of the attraction of Iago is that he is quick-thinking, erudite and intelligent enough to fool his wife, the Duke and a General (Othello). Interestingly, Iago explains how he will manipulate Othello in the very first scene, as he tells Rodrigo “…I follow him to serve my turn upon him: We cannot all be masters, nor all masters Cannot be truly follow’d.”(I.i).
Iago’s Language
The tradition of writing the most poetic and lyrical language for the villain dates back to the Medieval Morality plays. It is a technique that Shakespeare often employs to great effect. Not only is this more attractive as a theatrical spectacle, but it is also conducive to the plot. In other words, it is easier for an audience to understand how Othello is drawn into Iago’s deceit. Therefore, it could be argued that Iago’s articulate soliloquies are necessary to create believability within the play.
Additionally, Iago’s dialogue, the quantity of which far surpasses any other character’s, aids an audience’s understanding of his actions. As mentioned above, it is not enough that he is simply evil, because this creates little dramatic interest. Iago is not immoral, or even amoral, he believes that his actions are justified, “…I stand account for as great a sin, But partly led to diet my revenge…And nothing can nor shall content my soul Till I am even’d with him…”(II.I).
It is particularly interesting to note that Iago, a character who has been articulate and verbose throughout the play, leaves with a simple statement, “Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word.”(V.ii).
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