Do you think Iago is the greatest Shakespeare character?

Question

I really think so. His character is very maniacal, manipulative and is deceitful. He's very smart and slick. Just such an amazing creation by Shakespeare.

Answer 1

No I really do not. Iago has next to no motive for his actions other than pure jealousy. I think that Richard III is a much more interesting character and motives are much more interesting. I also think Hamlet is up on the top of the list along with Kate - Lady Percy, widow of Hotspur who delivers a powerful speech in HenryIV Part II chastizing her father in law Northumberland the coward Henry Percy for letting his son down twice on the battlefield. Gutsy lady. Pax - C.

Answer 2

I like Iago but it is not only his smartness that makes him "great". He is very lucky (except the end) and everything goes on the right way when he plans something. that's why he is not the greatest. I think Hamlet is the best of all.

Answer 3

Greatest villain ever, imo. Whether he's Shakespeare's greatest character? Mmm, I don't know. But he's certainly a character in which people can identify parts of themselves or people they know.

Answer 4

Perhaps it is all in how you would define "greatest". Is Hamlet or Henry V the greatest? I mean, look at their strength of character, their dynamic qualities. Look at Romeo and Juliet and how much they touch our hearts and minds. Look at Richard III and Henry VI, star-crossed in their own ways ... one could go on and on. A good argument, to be sure.

Answer 5

No, I don't think so. His motivation is never made clear -- in a sense, he is more archetypal than real. There are many far more complex and rounded characters in Shakespeare.

Answer 6

i rather enjoy Ophelia