Iago

Iago is the main antagonist in the tragedy play Othello by the late William Shakespeare. He is a Venetian soldier who serves under General Othello, a Moor (a broad term in Shakespeare's day, usually along the lines of someone of North African descent), and leader of the Venetian armed forces.

He explains how much he hates Othello and hatches an intricate plan to destroy him by making him believe that his wife, Desdemona, is unfaithful. He is a master manipulator who excels in pinpointing people's weaknesses, such as Othello's jealousy, Brabantio's racism, Roderigo's love for Desdemona, or Cassio's low alcohol tolerance, and uses these to his advantage. Ironically, until his treachery is revealed at the end, the other characters in the play trust him completely, calling him "Honest Iago".