Perhaps the most interesting and exotic character in the tragic play "Othello," by William Shakespeare, is "Honest" Iago. Through some carefully thought-out words and actions, Iago is able to manipulate others to do things in a way that benefits him and moves him closer toward his goals. He is the main driving force in this play, pushing Othello and everyone else towards their tragic end.
             Iago's main interest is the destruction of Othello. Iago fabricates accusations of adultery and his blatant racism, causing Iago to despise the kindly moor, and shortly thereafter, begin to conspire against him. Because Iago is much too smart to immediately kill Othello, he proceeds with the arduous process of dismantling him emotionally. Iago also knows that he must distance himself from any of the harrowing occurrences that transpire, so he cleverly gets other people to do his dirty work.
             Iago's main intention's lie in the degradation of Othello. Iago feels that he was best suited to hold the position of lieutenant, as opposed to Othello's choice; Michael Cassio. Iago claims that Cassio is " Mere prattle without practice"(I, i, Line 26), indicating that, although Cassio understands the theory of warfare, he does not know how to apply it. From this malice, Iago manufactures accusations of imposter, claiming that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia. "..'twixt my sheets/ He's done my office." (I, iii, Line 380). These accusations are merely excuses to validate his brackishness and rapacity, and should be seen as nothing more. Again, it is plain to see that, in Iago's deception of Othello, he is motivated by his jealousy and subsequent bitterness, not because he is the epitome of evil.
             Othello has changed immensely and his treatment towards Desdemona at this point in the storyline has notably changed. He tries to trick Desdemona into admitting her crime by asking about the handkerchief. The handkerchief is not produced and so Othello believ...