Honesty is one of the most important factors in Othello. And although there is very little honesty actually present in the play the term is most commonly applied to Iago, who also happens to be the most dishonest character in Othello. Due partly to the other characters naivety; Iago is capable of manipulating, brainwashing, and molding the other characters to satisfy his need for revenge against Othello. Iago would most commonly be referred to as dishonest, however beyond that he is also downright amoral and uses others weaknesses to manipulate them into doing what he pleases. From the very beginning we see how Iago manipulates Roderigo by pretending he is looking out for his best interests in the matter of Othellos elopement with Desdemona. He makes Brabantio angry with Othello and Desdemona by telling him about their elopement then lying about the consummation of their relationship. He then leaves Roderigo to take responsibility for his (Iagos) actions. In the meantime he goes off to inform Othello that Roderigo is accountable for telling Brabantio about the relationship and saying horrible things about Othello. Iago later brings Roderigo back into his quest for revenge when he tries to get Cassio fired from the position that Iago originally wished to obtain. Although Cassio knows it is against his better judgment to drink, Iago manipulates him into getting drunk then stages a fight between Roderigo and Cassio. He even goes as far as to try to make Cassio look bad by telling Montano that he gets drunk regularly. Upon Iagos explanation of the situation Othello promptly fires Cassio from his position and Iago becomes more respected in Othellos eyes. Roderigo is a prime example of how Iago uses people to fulfill his desires. Iago convinces Roderigo that he could win Desdemonas love away from Othello and the only man that stands in the way is Cassio. In this way when he plans to humiliate Cassio it seems as if he is doing ...
