#1

      Iago of Shakespeare's Othello is a deceptive character.  Iago starts the play telling his friend Roderigo of how he hates Othello saying, " I follow him to serve my turn upon him" (Shakespeare 9).  Yet while serving under Othello, Iago plays the party of a loyal servant warns Othello of danger: "Be assured of this, That the magnifico is much beloved, And hath in his effect a voice of potential As double as the Duke's.  He will divorce you Or put upon you what restraint or grievance The law (with all his might to enforce it on) Will give him cable" (Shakespeare 21).  Iago shows two sides to his character.  Privately his is disloyal and hateful, publicly he is the perfect dutiful servant, warning his master of danger and seeming to care for his master's welfare.  A servant like Iago cannot be trusted.  With the type of character that Iago has, it would not be surprising if he is what leads to Othello's downfall.  Iago helps to orchestrate the very ploy that would cause trouble for Othello.  Iago's character is fueled by a want for vengeance due to the position that he is not given by Othello.  With such anger in his heart, the plan he sets in motion with Roderigo to demonize Othello in the eyes of people such as Brabantio, is not uncharacteristic of him.  It also shows a relentless want for revenge.  He utilizes his beguiling character to lure his victim, Othello, into a trap.  Iago will stop at nothing to bring Othello down.   Because of Iago's character it would not be difficult for Othello to fall into such a trap.  Iago is a man to be watched and distrusted.  The very man who plays the good servant is the hand that wishes to bring about his masters demise.