Iago- a character analysis

IAGO- A CHARACTER ANALYSIS “I am not what I am” Iago states of himself and this certainly seems to encapsulate all that he is. A 28 year-old highly ambitious and headstrong “ancient” to Othello in the Venetian Army, the audience sees that he has an overwhelming desire for power, his envy of those he views as better or luckier than himself eats at him and is the reason he wishes to destroy them. Iago, in the …

…we see that in the character of Iago Shakespeare has created a fascinating study of perceived wrongs on an envious personality. Iago is an intelligent man, and the absence of conscience allows him to use the weaknesses and insecurities of those around him to his own advantage. His attempts to improve his status finally lead to murder, but even when threatened by torture he retains a degree of power by refusing to reveal his motives.