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Essay about Character Study of Iago in William Shakespeare's Othello

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Character Study of Iago in William Shakespeare's Othello

In 'Othello', Iago works to bring about the downfall of the characters that he hates, particularly Othello and Michael Cassio. In order to do this, he uses not only the weaknesses of his victims, but their strengths and good qualities as well.

Iago says this about Desdemona:

"So will I turn her virtue into pitch,

And out of her own goodness makes the net

That shall enmesh them all" (Act 2 Scene 3)

Iago's victims have virtues, which he uses to undermine them and plot their downfall. Othello is a noble and heroic gentleman. He is open and honest. He has a trusting nature and he is romantic. Othello is a brave person who is not …show more content…

In other words, Iago also exploits their weaknesses to bring about their downfall.

Michael Cassio is popular with the ladies. He is smooth and sophisticated and has a social charm and grace.

Iago: "He hath a person and smooth dispose to be suspected, framed to make women false" (Act 1 Scene 3)

Cassio enjoys drinking and often has too much. He is stupid to take part in a drunken brawl and as second in command he should be more sensible. He is also impulsive and arrogant. The thoughtless and cruel treatment of Bianca allows Iago to set up the scene in which Othello mistakenly assumes that Cassio is laughing and joking about Desdemona's love for him. (Act 4 Scene 1)

Roderigo is a rich, generous and romantic person. He is a spoilt child so whatever his heart falls to is his he is after Desdemona and can't get her.

Othello's weaknesses are that he is jealous. When Iago told Othello that Desdemona is seeing Michael Cassio, he is headless and gullible. He

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