Iago

"I am not what I am.""I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offence to Michael Cassio.""Men should be what they seem, or those that be not would they seem none.""Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feed on!""Every way makes my gain."

The Affected Lives

Iago is the cause of dramatic irony in the Shakespearian play Othello: The Moor of Venice. He often revealed his plans to the audience, but the other characters never knew his plans until the end.

Iago slices Cassio's leg in Act V, scene i, but Cassio survived.Iago stabs Roderigo, killing him, shortly after Cassio's leg is cut.In Act V, scene ii, Iago's lies led Othello to stifle Desdemona because he said that Desdemona cheated on Othello.Iago stabs Emilia after she says that she gave Iago the handkerchief, which framed Desdemona and Cassio.Othello kills himself after he realizes that he has killed his beautiful and innocent wife.

Status at the End

Iago was found for who he truly was after Emilia said that she gave Iago Desdemona's handkerchief. Iago was captured by officers and was subject to torture.

Iago

Important Quotes

Role

Iago (as played by Kenneth Branagh)

"I am not what I am," I said at first,But before that moment I was normal.My development turned out to the worst,And what I do to the Moor is harmful.I was called "Good and Honest Iago,"But my friends did not know who I was yet.The wave of destruction began to flowWhen "Desdemona and Cassio met."With poison, I destroyed Othello's lifeWhen I said Desdemona's a monster.He took action and killed his wife.I failed to kill the former officer.My wife told them, my downfall had occurred;From this time forth I will never speak word.

Journal of Iago My plan is finally coming together. The Moor believed my lies about Desdemona and thinks that she is unfaithful. Maybe now he will ultimately regret giving Michael Cassio the position of lieutenant. I have convinced Roderigo to go through with the plan of murdering Cassio, so after he finishes that deed, I can kill him. Once that is complete, Cassio will no longer be a threat to my plan, and Roderigo will never ask about the jewels for Desdemona again. This is the night that either makes me or fordoes me quite.

Iago enjoys watching innocent people suffer due to his actions. Iago dislikes every character in the play, including his own wife.

(Insane, murderous psychopath)