Iago Is the Main Character

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Iago: The Main Character

Julianne Ortmann
English II Honors
Mrs. Katz
March 18th, 2013

“O beware my lord of jealousy it is the green eyed monster which doth mock the meant it feeds on” As Shakespeare’s most famous villain, Iago, through his hatred and jealousy of Othello will ultimately cause the tragedy of Othello. Iago’s famous quote in Act 3 Scene 3 is the basis and underlying statement for his ulterior motive throughout the play. Iago reveals that he has the end in mind, and will pretend to be loyal because ultimately he wants revenge on Othello. Iago is the main character in Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Othello because he ultimately caused the entire tragedy of Othello, he’s the only character with soliloquies, and his speaking role consumes every Act. Iago is the main character in the play because he has the only role to contains soliloquies. Before Iago’s soliloquy at the end of Act 1, Scene 3, Iago has convinced Roderigo that he will help him with his longing to be with his love, Desdemona. His soliloquy states a rumor that Othello might have slept with Emilia,which Iago presumes to believe even though he knows it’s false. Iago’s second soliloquy is a restatement of his first, in addition to that he thinks Cassio ‘the playboy’ slept with his wife as well. His soliloquies are hugely important to the play, it is where the audience is able to gain insight into Iago’s character and see he is a man of low morals and manipulation. (Shakespeare) (SparksNotes) Shakespeare has more than one purpose of giving Iago's soliloquies. First and foremost it is to expose his internal thoughts to the audience. Iago’s soliloquies show who he is as a character, and they develop him more and more throughout the play. To others Iago is a loyal, honest friend to Othello. His soliloquies help us identify that this is in fact not the case, for
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