Iago is a clever manipulative villain and although Othello is a brave soldier he is also a gullible fool." How far do you agree with this assessment of these characters?

The audience know Iago is very manipulative from the very opening scene as he manages to manipulate Roderigo into telling Brabantio about Othello's and Desdemona's secret marriage. Iago tricks Roderigo into thinking that he is helping him although it is the other way around, and these actions are only to benefit Iago.

Iago can be seen as a villain as he is totally evil. He is willing to sacrifice anyone for his own ends. He is will even kill his own wife so not to be exposed of all the malicious things he had done to Othello, Desdemona, Cassio and Roderigo.

Before the audience meets Othello it is known that he is a brave soldier as the Duke calls he valiant and the senators call him brave.

The audience then meet Othello and again see the image of him being brave as Othello tells the Duke that he won Desdemona's heart when he shared all his victorious war stories.

Othello can be said to be a gullible fool as he is a bad judge of character concerning Iago. Initially Othello can be seen as a good judge of character because he gives Cassio his second lieutenant and Iago third. Although as "honest" Iago sets to work making Othello doubt he is very convincing and giving the evidence I think even the least gullible person would begin to doubt their relationship.

Desdemona helps Iago unwittingly by constantly pushing Othello to give Cassio his job back. Also Desdemona lies to Othello about the handkerchief. If Desdemona had told the truth

For Iago to prove Desdemona's and Cassio's adultery to Othello, Iago talks to Cassio about Bianca for Othello to hear. Only Othello thinks their conversation is about Desdemona, so he believes he has more evidence about the affair.

Desdemona's father Brabantio says "She (Desdemona) has deceived me and may deceive you too"

I do not think Othello is gullible because he is a soldier not a courtier and is not a character that would have been exposed to this kind of ruthless persona. Othello is a good person and would not think that anyone could be so conniving.

From my analysis of Iago and Othello I conclude that I agree completely that Iago is a clever manipulative villain and that Othello is a brave soldier, although I disagree that Othello is a gullible fool. Othello was duped and tricked by Iago although this was not an easy job for Iago, who had to find proof for Othello to believe about Desdemona's adultery. The evidence was very strong and convincing.