Which tragedy includes the villain Iago?

The tragedy that includes the villain Iago is Othello. Iago serves as Othello’s ensign, or standard-bearer, and secretly plots against the respected military commander because of resentment and ambition.

Iago manipulates Othello into believing that his wife, Desdemona, is unfaithful with Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant. He uses insinuation, staged evidence, and the stolen handkerchief to turn suspicion into apparent proof. His outward reputation for honesty makes the deception especially effective.

The play’s central conflict is therefore psychological as much as military. Othello’s jealousy grows through Iago’s carefully controlled lies, while Desdemona remains unaware of the full scheme. Iago’s wife, Emilia, eventually exposes part of the truth by revealing what happened to the handkerchief.

Iago is often called one of Shakespeare’s most compelling villains because he explains his motives inconsistently and seems to take pleasure in manipulation itself. The tragedy was likely written around 1603–1604 and is set largely in Venice and Cyprus.