The persona of Othello in Shakespeare's tragic play Othello is the embodiment of a number of character traits from other characters within the work. Shakespeare's cunning use of personal motivations and individuality allowed the playwright to create a complex personality for each character culminating in varying degrees in Othello himself.
             As Othello's ensign, Iago is the main protagonist to his superior. Iago has a deep-seated resentment towards Othello stemming originally from Othello's choice of Cassio as his lieutenant. In choosing Cassio, Othello passes over Iago creating a schism in Iago's loyalty to Othello. This may not have been the first embarrassment for Iago. In the first scene we encounter an exchange between Iago and Rodgerio. Rodgerio is in love with Desdemona and has given money to Iago to broker a relationship between them. Rodgerio discovers that Othello has eloped with his love and Iago has no knowledge of the marriage. This in itself allows the reader to perceive Othello's lack of confidence in his ensign, a fact that grates on Iago enough to make him proclaim his hatred for Othello in a later soliloquy.
             Iago has a reputation for honesty and loyalty but he uses it for dishonest purposes. He holds himself in high-esteem, takes the utmost delight in his own malevolence and appears driven to prove that he can use his wits to outsmart anyone. Cynicism serves Iago well. He constantly refers to those he considers beneath him as animals, especially when discussing their sexuality. It is possible that Iago has garnered the nom de plume of "Honest Iago" because of the way he presents himself. He is ironic, sarcastic and scoffs at any idea that he considers overstated. In general Iago appears to be a gentleman who rules his life by common sense and sound reasoning. Despite his public appearance, Iago's keen sense of superiority and his love of exerting the power that he feel...