In life today and life back in the time that "Othello" was written by Shakespeare there has always been a sort of battle between good and evil. This struggle between good and evil is both an outward conflict and internal struggle as demonstrated by some of the characters in "Othello." In "Othello," written by William Shakespeare, there is a clear challenge between good and evil shown by what the characters feel and do. This challenge can be either an inward struggle or an outward conflict. .
In Act 1, Shakespeare presents the reader with the antagonist of the play, Iago. Iago is a schemer and doesn't care who he hurts as long as he gets what he wants. He tricked a man named Rodrigo who was blinded by his love for a married woman, Desdemona. Iago took Roderigo for everything he had and promised he would get Desdemona to return his love. In the end of course the love was never returned and Iago had possession of everything that Roderigo had that was of any value. (1.1.10-60). This is an example of how good and evil are portrayed outwardly through the evil Iago tricking the innocent Roderigo. .
Othello, the main character of the story also has a struggle with good and evil. However this struggle happens within him because of the lies Iago had planted in his mind. After the lies about Desdemona being unfaithful reached Othello's ears, Iago warns him to be careful of jealousy. "O! Beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is that greened-ey'd monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on" "(3.1.64-66). Othello knows he shouldn't act without proof, but he sides with evil and accused Desdemona of being a whore. Othello now believes that Desdemona is no longer in love with him. Othello's inner struggle is whether or not to have Cassio killed and whether he should kill Desdemona for being unfaithful. Othello is characterized as a kind and noble moor, so it's very out of character when he tells Iago to kill Cassio.
