Iago, one of William Shakespeare's most intriguing and plausible villains in the book of Othello, is often described as being completely evil. However, one could argue that Iago is actually a sociopath, having no conscious and being an immoral human being. When he murders his wife, Emilia, he does so, not in anger, but because she can hurt his chances of keeping the position Othello has bestowed upon him. His merciless killing of Roderigo further …showed first 75 words of 1570 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1570 total…human nature. He says of Othello: "The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, / Is of a constant, loving, noble nature, / And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona / A most dear husband" (2.1.288-291). Iago is making a cruel joke on the word "dear"; it means both "beloved" and "expensive." Because Othello is "constant, loving, noble" and he will be outraged when he discovers Desdemona's infidelity, and she will in turn pay a high price.