Iago is not your ordinary villain. The role he plays is rather unique and complex, far from what one might expect. Iago is very smart and he is an expert judge of people and their characters and uses that to his advantage. Iago knows Roderigo is in love with Desdemona and figures that he would do anything to get her. Iago says about Roderigo, "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse." [Act I, Scene III, Line 365] By playing on his hopes, Iago is able to take money and jewels from Roderigo, while using Roderigo to complete his other goals. He also thinks quick on his feet and is able to make up things in his head whenever something unexpected happens. When Cassio takes Desdemona's hand before the arrival of the Moor Othello, Iago says, "With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio." [Act II, Scene I, Line 164] His skill and craftiness makes him a true villain. ...
