If Cassio was the antagonist, Iago would certainly have mentioned hating him as well. Iago demands the audience's complicity we cannot help being fascinated by him In Shakespeare's Othello, the character of Iago is constructed to demand the audience's complicity despite the corrupt nature of his actions. From the very beginning, Iago speaks at great length about his hatred, his revenge, and his brilliantly orchestrated scheme. to express his true motivation—makes his actions all the more terrifying. Hamlet’s death marked the end of the story, as did Lear’s and Macbeth’s. Protagonists are not necessarily the heroic or inherently good characters in a play’s plot. In Othello, there are clues before his first entrance in Act I, scene ii, that give the audience the impression that Othello is the play's protagonist -- the title of the play for one. Do we as an audience focus on him? most inveterate liar, Iago inspires all of the play’s characters Othello’s decisions as the general, including promotion of Cassio, may have given some disease to Iago’s good nature. Othello is the tragic protagonist of the story. With any idea about Shakespeare’s plays, no matter how convoluted or over-reaching, it is probable that Shakespeare crafted the idea first. These unfavorable and evil attributes serve Shakespeare’s main characters by presenting them as realistically written men, and there always seems a degree, however small, of sympathy associated with their respective downfalls and tragedies. The role is thought to have been first played by Robert Armin, who typically played intelligent clown roles like Touchstone in As You Like It an So, a "Vice" figure is stock character from medieval morality plays like "Everyman." Shakespeare is universally revered for his characterization of flawed and psychologically unstable protagonists. This repetition is like a mantra for Iago, as if to convince himself habitually that Othello is his enemy, and to justify his actions. A Christian Moor and general of the armies of Venice, Othello is an eloquent and physically powerful figure, respected by all those around him. He wants to bring down Othello because he thinks that he has slept with his wife, even though Emilia says that she did not(IV.ii.147). Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1974. he were a clown (II.iii.310). Iago is the play's main antagonist, and Othello's standard-bearer. 7–32 ). In \"Fowl Weather\", he mentions that he once lived in the rainforest, but did not enjoy its unpredictable weather, prompting him to move to the desert. Hence, Othello is the protagonist, Iago the antagonist. As his name suggests, he has a large ego. Though there is little sympathy made for him, and his arrangement as the diabolical villain is cemented in place, empathy can be achieved for Iago if his viewpoint is thoroughly explored, as it is. In literature there is always a direct link between characterization and theme development. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character … in the final scene, when Iago kills his own wife (V.ii.231–242). He states, “Demand me nothing. position of lieutenant (I.i. Through some carefully thought-out words and actions, Iago is able to manipulate others to do things in a way that benefits him and moves him closer toward his goals. A storm has dispersed the Venetian fleet so that Cassio arrives first, anxious for Othello's safety. Antagonist Character Role Analysis Iago. He has risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement, and Othello, whose military judgment is excellent, has taken him as ancient (captain) because of his qualities. tell Othello of the handkerchief and know that Othello will not Protagonist Character Role Analysis Othello. of convincing motivation for his actions. No one has time to read them all, but it’s important to go over them at least briefly. In the first scene, he He has the ability to charm and convince people of his loyalty and honesty–“Honest Iago,” according to Othello–but the audience is immediately introduced to his vitriol and desire for revenge, despite his lack of proved reason.