In "Othello," by William Shakespeare, Iago manipulates the actions of others in a self-serving theme to benefit himself react in a way that only benefits him. "Iago belongs to a class of characters whose heads are as acute and active as their hearts are hard and callous." In a calculating, clever way he uses trust to deceive those closest to him. As a pivotal character his strategies affect Othello, Desdemona, Roderigo, and Emilia and result in their tragic end.
             Iago portrays a clever, deceitful fellow able to manipulate personal relationships in a selfish manner. For example Iago is aware of Roderigo's love for Desdemona, but becomes jealous of Roderigo and undermines that relationship;
             "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.
             For I own gained knowledge should profane
             If I would time expend with such (a snip)
             But my sport and profit. I hate the Moor,
             And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets
             'Has done my office. I know not if- 'be true,
             But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
             Will due as if for shurety. He holds me well.
             The better shall my purpose work on him.
             Cassio's a proper man. Let me see now;
             To get his place and to plume up my will
             In double Knavery- How? How? - Lets see.
             After sometime, to abuse Othello's "ear"
             That he is to familiar with his wife.
             He hath a person and a smooth dispose
             To be suspected, framed to make women false
             The Moor is a free and open nature
             That thinks men honest that seem to be so,
             And will tenderly be lead the th'nose
             I hav't. It is engendered Hell and night
             Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light." (Act 1 Sn. 4)
             Iago not only uses Roderigo to further his ambitions but also steals his money and jewels to make a considerable profit. This is pointed out in the previous paragraph where Iago refers
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