Discuss the character of Iago. Consider both the nature of his character and HOW it is conveyed. Othello by William Shakespeare

The most fascinating and curious character in the tragic play "Othello", by William Shakespeare, is "Honest" Iago. In the play his nature is conveyed to the audience in many ways. Iago's character is determined by his relationship with the other characters in the play. His betrayal of those who love him that occurs throughout the text is a prime example of this, and is emphasised further by dramatic irony. Iago, as the height of evil …

…loyalty and honesty, morals valued on the battlefield. But in reality, he is the super-perceptive manipulating villain, central to the play. Iago reveals his true nature in bitter soliloquies where he unfolds his plan to destroy everyone possible. The dramatic irony - brought about by the soliloquies - is a key device used by Shakespeare to convey the deceptive nature of Iago's character. His relationships with the other characters also help to convey his character.