"Othello": Characterization of Iago

    In Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago is characterized through his deceptions of Othello, Cassio, and Montano.  Moreover, Iago yearns for a higher office in the military than the one he currently holds.  Instead of improving himself, Iago decides to gain his desired position by deceiving and humiliating those who genuinely respect and rely on his trust.  In even greater depth, Iago tell Montano that Cassio's drinking "Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep" (Shakespeare, I.iii.90).  Because his vice is revealed, Othello fires Cassio from office.  Iago, further illuminating his deceitful methods,  tells Cassio to ask Desdemona for help in restoring Othello's faith in him.  The overall message I took from this situation was that Iago uses his two-faced behavior to accomplish his goal.  Iago is ultimately characterized as a manipulative man seeking personal gain through the deception of others.