A Psychopath In Shakespeare's Othello

What do you think of when you hear the word “psychopath”? A masked man, an axe-wielding menace; How about the ensign of the Venetian army? This is the story of, a manipulative mastermind, who not only manipulated his way to murder but obtained the name “honest Iago” in the process.
First, what makes a Psychopath “a Psychopath”? It is first important to distinguish between a psychopath and a sociopath. “Psychopath’s can be unremorseful killers, although they are unable to form emotional attachments, they have the able to gain people’s trust with their charm and empathy, utterly hiding their true self” Harvard University Psychologist Dr. Seike comments. “They are well educated, plan their killings carefully and ultimately are able to manipulative
Although uncommon, the love between the Black African Prince Othello and Elegant Desdemona was as beautiful as the city itself. Iago’s relationship with Othello, however, was not as beautiful. Othello, appointed the general of the Venetian army, chose his lieutenant that day. His choice, however, did not fall in Iago’s favor. Instead of picking the war-seasoned Iago, he picked a Michael Cassio, a man who had never set foot upon the battle field. This automatically made Iago his Ensign. “It is evident that Iago felt jealous that night, and this jealously may have been his motives against Othello”, Dr. Seike
He is being held for trial without bail, in a small concrete room with a large metal door and a small plastic window. Seems fitting for a killer. As the guards lift the small metal voice hatch, his voice cut through the thick air where he spoke chilling words, “I hate the moor. Did you know he slept with my wife? A wife for a wife I guess, I’m glad they both died”. The interview continued with similar chilling answers, “they would all believe me, hence my name honest Iago, and Roderigo? I profited greatly from that love-sick animal, it was great fun, but in the end, he had to go, couldn’t let him ruin my plan”.
What we learn from the interview is that Iago’s intentions were unclear. “I am unsure whether he killed for sport, profit, for revenge, out of jealously or all combined” Seike comments. Cassio cannot blame himself, Iago was a master at manipulating others, his plan succeeded because he could hide his intentions and obtain people’s trust. “The fine line of trust can be drawn, where the line is more jagged than straight” Dr. Seike concludes. “Like Iago, you never know who could be a psychopathic