One of the most intriguing characters in the tragic play "Othello," by
             William Shakespeare, is Othello's "friend" Iago. At first glance, Iago
             seems to have no motive for the destruction he is causing. However,
             despite Iago's unquestionable malignancy, the motivation behind his
             actions lie more in Iago's quest for personal gain, as opposed to just
             being evil for evil's sake. In order to achieve his personal gain Iago
             manipulates Rodrigo, Cassio and, most importantly, Othello.
             Iago's main interest is the destruction of Othello. The reason being
             that Othello has chosen another man, Cassio, as his second-in-command,
             preferring him to Iago. This resentment, accompanied by Iago's
             fabricated accusations of adultery and his blatant racism, cause Iago to
             despise Othello, and shortly thereafter, begin to conspire against him.
             Instead of just killing Othello, Iago proceeds to attack him
             emotionally. Iago begins to manipulate the people around him in order to
             hurt Othello and make him think that his wife, Desdimona, and Cassio are
             The first to fall victim to Iago's manipulation, is Rodrigo. Iago knows
             Rodrigo has feelings Desdemona, and would do anything to make her his
             own. Iago tells Rodrigo that the only way to win Desdemona's love, is to
             make money to procure gifts for her. "...put money in thy purse.." (Act
             1, Scene 3, Line 339). However, Iago is just taking those gifts intended
             for Desdemona and keeping them for himself, and in doing so, making a
             substantial profit. "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse" (Act 1, Scene
             3, Line 376). Rodrigo eventually starts to question Iago's honesty. When
             faced with this accusation, Iago simply offers that killing Cassio will
             aid his cause and the gullible Rodrigo falls for it. "I have no great
             devotion to the deed and yet he has given me satisfying reason," (Act 5,
             Scene 1, Line 8). In doing this, Iago keeps Rodrigo in ...