In Othello, Iago does a good job in manipulating the people around him into thinking he is telling the truth. Iago tends to mask his identity throughout the play, therefore we never know if he is being true to himself or others. Iago is highly intelligent and does a good job trapping people into his web of lies; there is a dichotomy between the person Iago presents himself as and who he actually is.

Iago has a lot to do with the transformation of the character Othello throughout the play. Iago even says in the beginning: “The Moor is of a free and open nature, that thinks men honest that but seem to be so, and will tenderly be led by th’ nose as asses are ” (I, iii 399- 404). Here Iago knows Othello can be easily manipulated and will believe anything he says, therefore he is going to ruin Othello by deceiving him. In the beginning, Othello appears to be honest, passive and kind. We see an example of him being passive when he says to Cassio: “What is the news?” (I, ii, 36) and “What is the matter think you?” (I, ii, 38). Here Othello remains calm, even when Brabanzio and his followers appear to be approaching. However, later in the play Othello’s character does no

Othello’s personality transforms with the false suggestions placed upon him by Iago, and as a result he becomes more angry and vulnerable and ultimately goes insane. Othello, towards the end of the play, does not have the patience he used to.  He hurries through many decisions that need to be made, such as the one to kill his wife: “Get me some poison Iago, this night. I’ll not expostulate, with her, this night lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again, this night Iago” (IV, i, 204-206). He appears very stressed out, by the way he acts and talks.  He tries to think that everything is alright, but based on what he hears from Iago, it really isn't. Iago gives Othello the following advice on the murder: “Do it not with poison; strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated” (IV, i, 207-208). Othello agrees that this is a good idea, which shows the power and manipulation Iago has over Othello in the murder of Desdemona.  

Iago deceives other people in the play besides Othello. He tries to prey on Roderigo’s emotions for Desdemona by saying:

Othello: “He did from first to last. Why dost thou ask?”

Othello: “Why of thy thought Iago? (III, iii, 94-98)

Some topics in this essay:
Othello Iago, Iago Othello, Furthermore Iago, Desdemona Iago, Cassio Damn, Michael Cassio, Iago” IV, Iago Othello’s, Othello Roderigo, iii iii, iago othello, Roderigo Desdemona, othello iago, throughout play, desdemona iago, play iago, throughout play iago, iago throughout, manipulation iago, appears honest, iago plants, iago throughout play,