In the first scene of Othello we are brought face to face with the devilish but very human Iago who is smarting from being overlooked for promotion and vaguely suspects that Othello has Cuckolded (betrayed) him. However, from the outset, it is obvious that these are not his overriding concerns. Iago hates everything in the world that is "Proper", reasoned and well ordered; everything that has a Daily Beauty. By contrast it is clear during Othello's first encounter with the angry, prejudiced Brabantio; in his calm, reasoned and mature confrontation with the Senate and when he quells the drunken brawl, that he has those very qualities which Iago lacks and must therefore destroy.
Iago is therefore not over-concerned about the destruction of people but the eradication of concepts and ideals (such as goodness) which he feels lacking in himself. To achieve this what would be more satisfying than the destruction of the goodness of the love of Othello and Desdemona who are " The living refutation of Iago's cynicism) about love being essentially for SELF. The love-sick Roderigo and the destruction of Cassio are constequently merely means to Iago's evil end, which is the snaring of Othello's soul and body for no reason. Iago's weak desire to wreak his evil revenge on Othello and his plotting to achieve this are not soley responsible for Othello's fall. .
Of all the characters Othello exemplifies this unconscious abetting most profoundly. Firstly, Othello, the childlike, simple, general, does not have the emotional experience , and insight to cope either with Iago;s clever machinations (Iago's Plot) or the deep love for Desdemona. His whole experience of life and its complexities and ambiguities has been the Army. In this world women play no role. Othello does not understand Venetain mores nor has he known Desdemona long enough not to be misled by insinuations ( suggestions) about her unfaithfullness.
