Paying Close Attention to Iago’s Language in Ii.Iii.303-328 and Iii.Iii.92-259, Explain Why Many Readers/Audiences, Actors and Directors Have Found His Character so Fascinating...

The Shakespeare tragedy Othello was written and set during the early 17th century in Venice rule. The play is set in Cyprus and Venice. In the play Othello, Iago attempts to destroy the marriage of Othello and Desdemona.   Iago is a compelling sophisticated villain, who revels in his own ability to dissemble. At first glance Iago is pure evil. He is perhaps the most interesting and deceiving character in the tragic play Othello. During the play Iago uses carefully thought out words and actions which enable him to manipulate others and do things in a way which benefits him and allows him to move closer to his goals. He is a villain who is adept to quick-witted improvisation. Iago's pride is laced with sly vindictiveness; also he is egotistical and independent, convincingly able to adapt his tone and style to any situation. Of all the characters presented in Shakespeare's literature the most sinister one is without a doubt Iago. He is a ruthless sociopath. No other character can even come close to his evil. Most of the antagonists present in Shakespeare's plays have valid reasons for the troubles they cause. Iago doesn't for the most part he just has a burning hatred for the world, especially Othello. This is what makes Othello so fascinating for many audiences.
The classic villain, one that we simply hate and really, really want to see lose, is a surprisingly rare bird. Two examples are: Marlo Stanfield in The Wire chillingly portrayed by Jamie Hector and Iago in Othello, Othello’s ensign. These are men we cannot admire, even as we recognise their power, intelligence and success; they remain normal enough that we cannot suspend the usual laws of morality - in fact, their horribleness demands that we apply those laws as they violate them left and right. We do not feel sorry for them: they outrage us. We just want to see them go down. The main distinction, I would say, is this: these are men who do not love. They only want.
At first glance Iago's character seems to... [continues]

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