Villains in Shakespeare

When reading a story, people tend to identify with the hero. They like to think of themselves as heroes in their own lives and the success of a hero in a story makes them feel better about their chances of success in their own lives. However, a hero is only as great as the obstacle he can overcome. The obstacle can be a natural disaster or even a wild animal but it is a human …

…do thus blow to heaven… Arise black vengeance from the hollow hell” (3.3.448-50). As Othello swears to destroy Desdemona, he kneels, and after a moment, Iago kneels with him. This stunning image is an overt pact with the devil, and the scene ends with Iago’s ominous line “I am your own forever.”(Geitzen, 10) This brazen, amoral, abuse of another’s trust and feelings to achieve his evil goals makes Iago the epitome of villany.