The majority of the characters in Shakespeares Othello, view Iago, the plays antagonist, as most honest (II, ii, 7) and laudable; however, as readers, we perceive him in a completely different way. There is a clear dichotomy between two perceptions of the same character. In the readerΒs perspective, Iago is an extremely powerful manipulator who feasts on being in a state of control and superiority. Although Othello is the general of the Venetian army and protagonist of Shakespeares Othello, Iago not only has more lines than the main character, but is responsible for inciting the tragic action of the play. Thus, making this work of literature a true and fulfilled tragedy. Many consider Iago to be one of Shakespeares most wicked villains due to his genius in duplicity and proficiency in verbal manipulation. The plays puppet master focuses largely on plotting against the tragic hero, Othello. When ruminating upon this intricate, yet paramount character, one essential questio
n comes to mind: What is Iagos motivation for plotting against the characters in the play and for inducing such tumultuous situations? The measures that Iago takes in order to fulfill his plan act as the stepping stones for the final act, also known as the scene of pathos, in which Othello murders his wife, not long before he recognizes his tragic flaw and realizes that his wife was true to him all along. It is difficult to pinpoint one distinct reason that explains Iagos motivation for all the evil acts he commits throughout the play- rather, it is a number of factors that attribute to his animus. However, based off the clues provided in the play, the reader is able to highlight several elements that actuate Iago to commit such atrocious acts. Specifically, Iagos jealousy of Cassios promotion to lieutenant, rumors of Othellos affair with Iagos wife, and factors leading to psychological satisfaction, are Iagos primary motivations for perpetrating chaos throughout the play.