Iago

Iago is a fictional character, Othello's ancient, his employee and his foil in Shakespeare's play Othello, and one of Shakespeare's most sinister villains.

The name Iago is a form of Jacob and James.

Shakespeare contrasts Iago against Othello's nobility and integrity of character.

While the play suggests motives for Iago's hateful scheming, many readers feel that a deeper root remains unhidden. Iago cites suspicion that his wife has been unfaithful to him with Othello or bitterness that Othello passed him up for a big promotion. Whatever his deepest motivation, his hatred towards the Moor is unwavering and moves the action of the play forward. Some modern directors interpret Iago's hate as racism.