Iago

     Already in the first act of Othello it is established that Iago is a villain. In the opening conversation between Iago and Roderigo Iago states that he is bitter towards Othello because of his decision to promote Cassio instead of himself. Iago feels that he is more deserving of the position because of his real life experience compared to Cassio's intelligence: "And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof  at Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds"(I.i). Iago is also manipulative in the ways he convinces others of his disdain for Othello. To retaliate for how Othello wronged Iago, Iago informs Desdemona's father of their affair. An already unsettling accusation is made more disturbing in his description of the affair. Iago says,"An old black ram is tupping your white ewe" (I.1). At the time the play takes place, black men were considered barbaric and reminiscent of the devil. The image of Desdemona's reputation and purity being tarnished by a savage is frightening and capable of conducting hatred.