Othello #3

The protagonist of the play is Othello and the antagonist is Iago. Othello and Iago are foil characters. Othello is honest and does not hurt others to get ahead. Iago is dishonest and is only concerned about personal gain. Roderigo is an important minor character. He is Iago's puppet. He does whatever Iago tells him to. Iago is cunning and uses Roderigo to turn people against each other. Iago tells Roderigo to "provoke him [Cassio]" to that Cassio will be dismissed as Lieutenant (II.i.255). Iago uses his 'friend' Roderigo to get what he wants. He knows Roderigo is easily manipulated if Iago promises that Roderigo will get Desdemona. Roderigo said, "I will incontinently drown myself" (I.iii.302). Iago uses his friend in his moment of weakness. Othello respects his friends and earns the respect of others.