`Othello' is a play that revolves around jealousy and trust, and Iago is clearly a character whose role is built around these two elements. Although `evil' characters are certainly not uncommon in Shakespeare, Iago is perhaps one of the most interesting. He has been described by critics as `intolerable', `an aesthete' and a `bottomless pit' of evil, The diversity of the roles and characters he is able to play make him an interesting character to study psychologically, as well as being used by Shakespeare as a figure for hatred to be directed towards.

Iago's role in the play has been regarded by Auden as that of a `practical joker of the most appalling kind'. Despite many critics believing that Iago's character is moulded on `the vice', a popular idea in the 16th century of a character who tempts mankind in a half comic, half unpleasant manner, Auden does...