Iago deceives the title character in Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello.
Iago is Othello’s ensign and outwardly presents himself as a loyal, honest servant. In reality, he resents Othello for promoting Michael Cassio to lieutenant and begins plotting against them both. Iago gradually manipulates Othello into believing that Desdemona, Othello’s wife, is having an affair with Cassio.
His scheme depends on suggestion rather than proof. Iago exploits a misplaced handkerchief, staged conversations, and Othello’s growing jealousy. Because Othello trusts Iago’s apparently frank advice, the deception becomes increasingly persuasive, leading to tragedy before Emilia exposes Iago’s treachery.
The play is generally dated to around 1603–1604 and is one of Shakespeare’s major tragedies. A common mix-up is to associate Iago with Macbeth because both are famous Shakespearean villains. Macbeth, however, is the central character of Macbeth, while Iago is the chief antagonist manipulating Othello from within the play’s military and domestic world.