Shakespeare's " Othello" is a story of jealousy and it's tragic consequences. In this play, all the major characters, Iago, Othello, Roderigo, and Brabantio have feelings of love for Desdemona. All except Desdemona are jealous of Othello. Iago manipulates and pits one character against the other in jealousy and revenge. As a result, just about everyone ends up dead.
             Iago has a burning hatred for Othello. Iago is angry and jealous that Othello selected Cassio as his Lieutenant. Iago is envious of Othello's prominent place in society and jealous of Othello's marriage to Brabantio's fair skinned daughter, Desdemona. Iago knows that he can never have Desdemona, and that Othello will always be the greater man. This jealousy fueled by hatred prompts Iago to plot Othello's downfall, which eventually leads to the destruction of Othello and just about everyone else.
             Iago's first step is to tell Brabantio that his "daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs" (I.i. 128-131). Brabantio despises Othello because he is a Moor, and cannot believe Desdemona willingly married him. Brabantio accepts his son-in-law after it is proven Desdemona acted of her own will. He is still partially jealous of the Moor for stealing his daughter's love. He will no longer be the most important man is Desdemona's life.
             Roderigo is also in love with Desdemona, and is jealous of her relationship with Othello. He has been shunned as a suitor by Desdemona, and therefore is willing to help Iago carry out his deceitful plan. Iago uses Roderigo as his pawn, provoking jealousy in Roderigo, so that he will help demote Cassio. Iago manipulates Roderigo into starting a fight with Cassio. Iago gets Cassio drunk, knowing he will be easily enraged and will fight Roderigo. Othello, upset with Cassio's drunken actions fires him as Lieutenant.
             Iago has gnawing suspicions...