God replies: 'I am that I am' (Exodus,iii,14). Iago says (I.1, 65) 'I am not what I am,' which can be interpreted as 'I am not what I seem.' But it is also reminiscent of a quotation from the Bible which Shakespeare would have known: In Exodus, God gives his laws to Moses on Mt. Shakespeare has built the character of Iago from an idea already existing in the theatrical culture of his time: the Devil in religious morality plays, which developed into the villain in Elizabethan drama and tragedy. Possibly Iago was always a villain and confidence trickster who set up a false reputation for honesty, but how can one set up a reputation for honesty except by being consistently honest over a long period of time? Alternatively he might be a man who used to be honest in the past, but has decided to abandon this virtue. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character who acts against his reputation.

Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as 'honest Iago.' He has risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement, and Othello, whose military judgment is excellent, has taken him as ancient (captain) because of his qualities. Iago has a reputation for honesty, for reliability and direct speaking. He believes in cheating and lying for gain, yet Shakespeare placed some of the most beautiful words in Iago's mouth. He cares for no one, yet he devotes his whole life to revenge rather than walk away in disdain. He treats others as fools and has no time for tender emotion, yet he is a married man and presumably once loved his wife.

He claims a reputation for honesty and plain speaking, yet he invents elaborate lies in order to exploit and manipulate other people. Shakespeare presents Iago as a collection of unsolvable puzzles.

Othello iago