The reputations of the main characters in Shakespeare's "Othello" are very important to what makes the story such a tragedy. Reputation is so important in the play because it gives the readers insight into characters and allows for character manipulation and for the tragedy of Othello to unfold. Othello's reputation among the citizens of Venice is one of a great and respected fighter and military man. While he has done many good things to build a reputation, he destroys it with his actions.
             The first of Othello's bad choices is his elopement with Brabantio's daughter Desdemona. While Barbantio is certain Othello stole Desdemona by using witchcraft, "That thou hast practiced on her with foul charms, Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals That weakens the motion," he calls on the Senate and Duke to discipline Othello for his actions. As Othello tells the Duke how he wooed Desdemona with stories of fighting on the battlefield, "She loved me for the dangers I had passed And I loved her that she did pity them." The Duke replies to Barbantio that "I think this tale would win my daughter too." Desdemona is called to the Senate to speak to Othello's account of what has happened. With Desdemona's support and Othello's reputation, the Duke sends him to the battle with the Turks without giving him a punishment. As Othello arrives in Cyprus Iago, (Othello's good friend) begins to unravel his plans to destroy Othello's and Michael Cassio's life and reputation.
             Iago has a sound reputation with all the characters in the play as Othello's ensign or right-hand man. This is how Iago conceals his devilish intentions and organizes his plan to destroy Cassio and Othello's lives. While Iago never comes out and tells the other characters of his plans, he does not outright lie either. As the play begins, Iago is complaining that he has been denied a promotion by Othello which had been given to Michael Cassio. One of the first signs that...