The Dual Nature of the Characters of OthelloIn Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, Iago is unusually honest when he says "I am not what I am." However, he is not the only character whose appearance differs from reality. However, he is perhaps the only one who wants this duplicity. Unfortunately, everyone is under the impression that Iago is "honest and fair." Once alone, Iago reveals "when demons go to commit the blackest sins, they first suggest with heavenly spectacles as I do now." Iago is two-faced in his relationships, even in the language he uses. After calling Othello a "black ram", he then tells him "my lord, you know that I love you". Iago has no shame in appealing to heaven and divine images in the presence of others, but alone he conversely appeals to hell and evil. His appearance depends on who is present, for example his companion Roderigo or his hated acquaintance Othello. His sycophantic language causes others, like Othello, to be drawn into his web. Othello is initially what he seems, but Iago's later manipulation reveals a very different side of his character. Othello is aware of his qualities, but does not boast as Iago tends to do. He is dignified and calm when he learns of Brabantio's dissatisfaction with his marriage to Desdemona. Then, when Brabantio challenges him, he reasons with the senator and advises him to use his dignity and not his aggression. This is exactly how Othello seems to act, until he is convinced by Iago that his wife is unfaithful to him. A character's appearance depends not entirely on audience perception, but also on the ideas of the characters in the play. Brabantio thinks that for Desdemona to have fallen in love with Othel... middle of paper ... it is not what it seems. However, we cannot say that all the characters are like this. The character of Othello, in particular, is divided by Iago's evil trap. Persuading Othello that Desdemona and Cassio were in a relationship revealed Othello's unworthy side as he was consumed by jealousy and rage. Desdemona was affected by Iago's trap, but her duplicity was independent since she lied to both her father and her husband. Cassio, the other accused, is as he appears, but not to Othello. The general has come to believe that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona and he views him with the greatest suspicion. Iago in turn suspects Emilia of having had an affair with Othello, but she seems only loyal and devoted to his mistress, Desdemona. Roderigo's only possible irregularity in his appearance is his gullibility which turns into violence towards Cassio..