Despite this strength, Cassio like Roderigo also takes his first hit early in the play. In Act 2, scene 3 Cassio became convinced by Iago to continue drinking, resulting in his wounding Montano and losing his position as lieutenant. This blow allowed the reader to see Cassio's weakness. His reputation is shattered which he clearly states is metaphorically the end of the world. .
"I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial." However, Cassio is not one to give up so easily. This situation put him in a vulnerable state, and caused him to seek an answer to his problem and fast. In this case, the answer according to Iago is Desdemona. Beginning Cassio's dependence, like Roderigo, to better his situation.
Moving further into the play, both characters develop, but continue their dependence on others. Roderigo taking his lust to a new level, becomes impatient with Iago, confronts him about the lack of progress he's seen. This is Roderigo's attempt to take things into his own hands but it is also his failure, by again believing Iago that all is well, his money is in good hands, and Desdemona will be his. Sadly, this was not the only time Roderigo attempted to be bold. In Act 4, scene 2 Roderigo realizes that he's been very gullable. "I will indeed no longer endure it. Nor am I yet persuaded to put up in peace what already I have foolishly suffered." Roderigo realizes he's been played for a fool and refuses to let it continue. Or so he thinks. Roderigo doesn't comprehend his weakness. The same weakness that draws him right back into Iago's smooth words and his dependence on him yet again to give him a better fortune, rather than trying it out for himself. In a similar way, Cassio shares the fact that he's very trusting with Roderigo. Cassio knows that he"ll push as hard as he can to once again be lieutenant. However, this can't be done without the aid of another, Desdemona.
