In William Shakespeare's Othello, Iago is the main villain because he is an angry man and is happy to take down everyone around him to get what he wants. Iago is a very manipulative person. He is almost like the main character in the play, pushing Othello and everyone else toward a tragic ending.
Everyone around Iago views him as an honest person. The word "honest" is used to describe Iago many times throughout the play, but describing Iago as honest could not be farther from the truth This is because the act Iago puts on to seem as though he is honest, when he is really a deceitful person. Envious Iago plots his plan when Cassio becomes Lieutenant. Iago steals, cheats, and will kill to have that position that he believes should be his. Iago is a very smart, yet amoral man. He corrupts everyone around him and their minds. People do not question Iago because he has corrupted their minds into thinking he is honest, when in fact he is the most deceitful person around.
Iago gets enjoyment out of playing Othello because he knows he can without regrets. He tricks Othello into believing that Desdemona is having an affair. Othello doesn't bother to question his friend because he believes that Iago is honest. Othello is so infected with Iago's lies that he refuses to believe Desdmona's when she denies it. Iago also plays Roderigo. Iago tells him to make money so that he could give gifts to Desdemona so that she will love him. When in reality, he is going to keep the gifts for himself. Roderigo eventually begins to catch on to his evil ways and questions him. Iago says that killing Cassio will end all problems. Roderigo agrees. This agreement will eventually lead to Roderigo's death. Iago can say the right things at the right time so people will believe he is honest.
Cassio, like Roderigo and Othello, is also played. Cassio follows Iago thinking that Iago is trying to help him. And during this whole time, Iago is plotting to take down Cassio.