Iago Is The Protagonist In Othello

Why Othello is the main character in Othello

In Shakespeare's play “Othello” there are about four different characters that allow you to make a valid argument about why they're the true main character in Othello. These four characters are Othello,Desdemona,Iago, and Cassio. One can make the strongest argument that Othello is the main character and that the others are not the protagonist.

Iago is considered by some to be the protagonist in Othello, however an argument that one can make is that he can't be the protagonist because he is the Antagonist. Iago is the antagonist to Othello as he is intentionally manipulating people to ruin Othello's life and reputation. Iago even say himself that he hates “Moor” which is a nickname for people of darker skin like Othello. In Act 1 Scene 3 Iago says “I hate the Moor. I’m devoted to my cause of hating him, just as devoted as you are to yours. So let’s join forces and get revenge.”(Act 1 Scene 3). Othello eventually finds out about Iago's deeds and realizes that Iago is his true enemy, he says “Won’t heaven strike this Iago dead? You absolute villain!”(Act 5 Scene 2). These quotes are proof Iago and Othello are enemies and that Iago is the Antagonist especially if Othello is the Protagonist.

He possesses traits that are the exact opposite of what Othello possesses. For example, Cassio is very calm and collected unlike Othello who is very hot-headed and doesn't think much before he acts. Cassio also isn't used to physical conflict like Othello, he isn't a soldier. Iago says that Cassio does not know about “The Division of battle” and that Cassio is “Without practice in all his Soldiership”(Act 1,Scene 1). Cassio is smart but not strong unlike Othello. Cassio possessing the opposite of what Othello has brings out Othello's emotion and his character more, this leaves Cassio with the perfect role as a foil, and that is why Cassio is not the protagonist of