The passionate and emotional first two scenes of Othello almost immediately introduce the most important and controversial themes of the play, creating suspense and excitement for the audience, who become interested and involved in the play from the outset. .
The audience find themselves thrust into a heated conversation between two characters in the dead of night. This highly effective and engaging opening, forces the audience to simultaneously interpret the situation on stage and subconsciously establish a preference for one of the two characters immediately presented to them. Iago's impact on the audience is almost instantaneous, for his exclamation of ""Sblood" strongly differs from Roderigo's meek "Tush" and similarly, the rhythm of Iago's lines is in stark contrast to the irritable whining of Roderigo. The obvious distinction between Iago and the apparently weak and foolish Roderigo causes the audience's admiration to lie with Iago.
However, as the first scene progresses the tone and implications of Iago's speech become darker and more menacing, as he reveals that "I follow [Othello] to serve my turn upon him". The audience becomes aware of the fact that Iago may not be who he is first perceived to be as they heed to Iago's plainly spoken warning, "I am not what I am". Indeed, as the first act unfolds Iago begins to reveal the malevolence of his character and his deep hatred for Othello, "Now sir, be judge yourself/ Whether I in any just term am affined/ To love the Moor". .
Iago's intrigues are carefully planned and expertly performed so that no characters within the play can see what he is doing. His insight into the behaviour of others allows him to adapt to the personality of whomever he is with. However, there is no doubt that Iago is a skilled actor, for he is able to successfully present a contrary appearance and get away with it.
