In Shakespeare’s great tragedy Othello Shakespeare utilizes one character, Iago, to wreak all havoc in the play, and inadvertently torment the rest of the characters for his own selfish gain. Specifically, Iago focuses much of his energy in destructing the life of his commander Othello, the principal character in the play. Othello’s ensign is considered one of Shakespeare’s most nefarious villains because of how skilled his criminal mind is in disguising his wicked intentions. That being said, there is something intriguing and fascinating about the way Iago operates his master plan against Othello because of how artful his deception is in the play. Shakespeare’s Othello becomes his most devious and excruciating tragedy through the corrupt character Iago. Before diving into a full-on character study of Iago, it is pertinent to discover what sets Iago apart from the rest of Shakespeare’s wicked characters. Did Richard III not emit the same morally fraudulent essence similar to Iago as he ordered his own brother’s execution in Shakespeare’s Richard III? And did Aaron the Moor in Shakespeare’s disturbing Titus Andronicus notpoison the very souls of the audience with pure evil as he choreographed the barbaric rape of Titus Andronicus’ daughter? The answer is yes, both villains possess the same demented qualities as Iago; however, Iago possesses one characteristic that separates him from the other heinous Shakespearian villains. Iago perform his deceit against Othello with the dexterity and aptitude parallel to the way an undertaker embalms a corpse. His guile is undeniable, and his ruse is unprecedented. Although it is undeniable that Iago is a villain, there is something to be admired in the skill of his craft. This is exactly why Iago is my favorite Shakespeare villain.