Which one was the strongest character in the Shakespearean play- "Othello"?

Question

I feel the villain Iago had much more scope to grow than the hero Othello. Who'd you like to portray as an actor?

See my other related question too (for hindi movie fans):
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20060810235043AAg8yXg&pa=FYd1D2bwHTHwIb9kE.M7RRYNxLt.UKNg29r1.X5RMwMA2g--&msgr_status=

Answer 1

I've played the role of Iago, and I can tell you, it's one huge thrill-ride of a part! It's the sort of role that, even after a YEAR, I was still discovering new things about him, and how to play him most effectively.

However, the ONLY reason that Iago succeeds as Shakespeare's ultimate super-villain is because Othello is such a GIANT of a man. If Iago didn't have a thoroughly worthy adversary, we wouldn't be so impressed by his cunning and villainy. Consider the scene, for example, where Othello says to Iago: "See thou PROVE my love a whore..." etc. You have to appreciate the fact that Iago is playing a very, very dangerous game here. He has cast doubt on the fidelity of the woman Othello loves, and, if he can't back up his accusations to Othello's satisfaction, the consequences are going to be most unpleasant.

It is often said that Iago preys upon Othello's inherent jealousy. I think that gets it exactly backwards. Iago is, by FAR, the most "jealous" (or envious) person in the play. He envies Othello's military might and easy air of command, Desdemona's purity and faith, Cassio's breeding and bearing...

The point is that Iago's impact as the villain of the piece can only be seen in relationship to the qualities of the other characters...the people whose lives he undertakes to destroy.

Answer 2

Your right. The main protaganist was so easily convinced by Iago. I would love to play him becos he is what a villian should be sly, conniving, witty, jealous... bad to the bone

Answer 3

To me,

Desdemona is the strongest character in Othello.

Answer 4

Definitely Iago. He's superb. But he is also very brutal and doesn't care about somebody else but himself. He even kills his own wife.

Answer 5

Morty

Answer 6

lago