How far would you push yourself and other people to reach your definition of success? Would you settle for the secondary positions that are easily available or disregard the emotions of others in order to claim the prize of happiness? In the play Othello, Shakespeare tells the story of how Othello, an African general in the Venetian military that’s brainwashed to lose faith and kill his newly wedded wife, Desdemona. Iago, the ensign of Othello brings upon these events by his secretive and conniving ways of tricky all in an effort to strip Cassio from his position of lieutenant. In the end, Iago’s mischievous ways are brought to light with the help of his wife Emilia which resulted with him being placed for execution and sadly the deaths of Desdemona, Emilia, and even Othello. One character you can’t miss in this play is Iago and his determination to clear all competition in order to receive the position of lieutenant. Aside from committing villain-like actions, Iago had a purpose in his strive and resembles us as individuals in this world. Shakespeare uses characterization through the character of Iago to express his overall meaning of self-determination.

It’s prominent when reading the play, Othello that Iago has a set goal of what he wants to accomplish. Iago was far from idol when he completed his actions; he knew exactly what he was doing. In the play it reads, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him.” which sets the feeling that Iago has valuable reasons as to why he is comfortable with the position of Othello’s ensign. Iago knows in his heart that the outcome of this situation will be more rewarding once he successfully completes his plot of disastrous but beneficial events. As a matter of fact, Iago says “I am not what I am.”, which means that to the human eye he may seem innocent but in reality he is extremely determined and selfish to reach his own triumph. Iago is wise enough to fool other characters due to the fact that before when he acted like his “true” self he was ignored to be given his rightful title. In addition to that, Iago says “Were I the Moor I would not be Iago. In following him I follow but myself.” , making it clear that he knows the exact attitude in which he should obtain in order to get such a high place in office similar to Othello. Iago feels that Othello was in fact selfish in his decisions therefore he should take the same route. In brief, Iago’s blueprint of what he plans to do reinforces the theme of willpower and self-determination.

If someone in this world was approached with 1 million dollars there is no doubt that they would gladly take it and this greatly describes the actions of Iago. Iago simply took advantage of a given opportunity in order to rise in the social ladder of achievement. In the play it reads “If I can fasten one cup upon him, with that which he hath drunk tonight, He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense.” which is an example of how Iago seized the opportunity to intoxicate Cassio. Iago was knowledgeable of the chain of events that would occur if Cassio became drunk and had no doubt that he would lose his title as lieutenant due to rude behavior. Also in the text it reads, “I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin and let him find it. Trifles light as air.” Which conveys the message that Iago used his resource of a simply handkerchief in order to manipulate the minds of other characters. Again, Iago took advantage of a situation in order to make sure Cassio stayed out of office. In addition to that, Iago plays with different character’s emotions any chance that he has, for example he says to Othello “I’ll love no friend, sith love breeds such offense” giving Othello a false notion that Iago actually cares about him. This also ties into him not showing his “true” self to others in order to knock out