Othello 7

Othello 

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare created the most manipulative character in Othello, Iago, but Iago now finds himself in a not particularly ideal situation. At the beginning of Act V, he contemplates if Roderigo's death or Cassio's death would benefit him more. He says that if Roderigo lives, "he calls me to a restitution large of gold and jewels that I bobbed from him as gifts to Desdemona"(V.i.14-17). If Roderigo lives, then Iago will owe him monetarily. However, Iago finds that Cassio dying is the best case scenario for himself. "If Cassio do remain, he hath a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly, and besides, the Moor may unfold me to him. There stand I in much peril"(V.i.18-21). Iago is put in much danger if Cassio lives because Cassio could expose Iago to Othello once he finds out the truth. Iago would prefer to not be exposed for his deceitful ways to Othello. Iago did not count on anyone finding out about his deceptive nature. Even though Roderigo was the closest one to find out about his ways, Cassio's death would be a greater benefit to Iago.