Othello and Honesty Honesty is one of the most important factors in Othello. And although there is very little honesty present in the play, the term is most commonly applied to Iago, who is also the most dishonest character in Othello. Partly due to the naivety of the other characters, Iago is capable of manipulating, brainwashing, and molding the other characters to satisfy his need for revenge against Othello. Iago would commonly be called dishonest, however beyond that he is also decidedly amoral and uses weaknesses in others to manipulate them into doing what he pleases. From the beginning we see how Iago manipulates Roderigo by pretending to have his best interests in mind in the matter of Othello eloping with Desdemona. He makes Barbanzio angry with Othello and Desdemona by telling them about their escape and then lying about the consummation of their relationship. So let Roderigo take responsibility for his (Iago's) actions. Meanwhile he goes to inform Othello that Roderigo is responsible for telling Barbanzio about their affair and saying horrible things about Othello. Iago later brings Roderigo back on his quest for revenge when he tries to have Cassio fired from the position Iago originally wished to obtain. Although Cassio knows that drinking is against his better judgment, Iago manipulates him into getting drunk, then sets up a fight between Roderigo and Cassio. He even goes so far as to try to make Cassio look bad by telling Montano that he gets drunk regularly. After Iago's explanation of the situation, Othello promptly dismisses Cassio from his position and Iago becomes more respected in Othello's eyes. Roderigo is a great example of how Iago uses people to satisfy his desires. Iago convinces Roderigo that he could win Desdemona's love away from Othello and the only man who stands in his way is Cassio. In this way, when he intends to humiliate Cassio, it appears that he is doing so to help Roderigo when, in reality, he is seeking revenge on Cassio for taking his position. One of the main reasons why Iago is so successful at manipulating others is because they are too naive to realize that he is taking advantage of them. Cassio still comes to Iago for advice after Iago rats him out and gets him fired.