agedy built on clever intrigues. The entire play unfolds through the dark machinations of Iago. He is the villain who ensnares noble and innocent souls in his web of deceit. Every major event is born from his schemes. His lies and manipulations destroy peace and purity. Therefore, Shakespeare’s “Othello” is rightly called a tragedy of intrigues.

Intrigue against Roderigo: Iago’s first intrigue begins with Roderigo, a foolish lover of Desdemona. Iago uses Roderigo as his moneybag and puppet. He says, 

“Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.” 

These words show how he cheats him for money and false hopes. Iago promises to help him win Desdemona’s love, but only to use him. He makes Roderigo awaken Brabantio at night to expose Desdemona’s marriage. Later, when Roderigo demands his money back, Iago kills him in the dark to hide his lies.

Intrigue against Cassio: Iago’s second intrigue is against Cassio, who becomes Othello’s lieutenant. Iago is jealous because he believes he deserves the post. He says Cassio is only “a great arithmetician,” not a real soldier. He decides to ruin Cassio’s honor. At the party in Cyprus, Iago gets Cassio drunk and makes Roderigo start a fight. Cassio hurts Montano, and Othello removes him from his post. Thus, Iago’s plan works perfectly. He destroys Cassio’s reputation and starts the chain of tragedy.

Intrigue against Othello and Desdemona: Iago’s main intrigue is against Othello’s love and Desdemona’s purity. He fills Othello’s heart with jealousy and doubt. He says, 

“Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio.” 

This lie poisons Othello’s mind. Iago also uses the handkerchief, Othello’s first gift to Desdemona, as false proof. He plants it in Cassio’s room to make Othello believe she is unfaithful. Othello’s trust turns into madness, and he kills his innocent wife. This intrigue is the most terrible and tragic of all.

Intrigue against Cassio’s Life: After destroying Othello’s marriage, Iago plots Cassio’s death. He tells Roderigo to attack Cassio at night. He says selfishly, 

“Whether he kills Cassio or Cassio him, every way makes my gain.” 

This shows his devilish joy in others’ suffering. Roderigo wounds Cassio but fails to kill him. Iago then stabs Roderigo to hide his plan. Though Cassio lives, Iago’s intrigues bring death, blood, and fear everywhere. His mind becomes darker with every act.

The Power of Intrigue in the Play: The whole tragedy grows out of Iago’s cunning schemes. He tricks every good soul: Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Roderigo. His deceit begins with words and ends in death. His evil nature is precise when he says, 

“I am not what I am.” 

Iago hides his devilish mind behind a mask of honesty. Shakespeare shows how one wicked man’s intrigues can destroy noble hearts. Iago’s lies replace truth, and love turns into hate.

In “Othello,” Shakespeare shows the deadly power of intrigue. Every sorrow and every death in the play grows from Iago’s deceit. His evil plans ruin peace, love, and trust. The tragedy proves that falsehood and jealousy can destroy even the purest souls. Othello is, therefore, rightly called a tragedy of intrigues. It is a story where one man’s wicked schemes bring disaster to all around him.