Deception and betrayal are what drive the story of Othello, written by William Shakespeare. From the beginning of the play, Iago, Othello’s supposed closest friend and confidant, is filled with jealousy and resentment. This is a dangerous mixture that foreshadows Iago’s betrayal to several people later in the play. This outrageous betrayal is what instigates all of the action that happens in Othello, and also indirectly causes the demise of many important characters. The play opens with Iago ranting to his friend, Roderigo, about how he has not received the position of Lieutenant, but rather a less qualified man has received it instead. “Three great ones of the city (In personal suit to make me his lieutenant) Off-capped to him, and by the faith of man I know my price, I am worth no worse a place...For ‘Certes,’ says he, ‘I have already chose my officer.’ And what was he? Forsooth, a great arithmetician, One Michael Cassio, a Florentine” (I. i. 9-21). Iago’s jealousy drives him to scheme against Cassio, and gets him drunk, in a plot to get Cassio stripped of his position. His plan works, and Othello relieves Cassio of his title. However, taking the title of Lieutenant away from Cassio does not seems to satisfy Iago enough, and leads to one of the most famous betrayals in literature and theatre, the betrayal of Othello. The most action in the story happens during Iago’s betrayal of his commander and closest friend. Throughout the play, the audience sees the transformation that Iago seems to go through as he turns from slightly conniving to evil, and this in itself is what contributes to the story the most and makes it interesting. As the truth about Iago unfolds further, it is revealed that he is not simply tricking Othello because he wants revenge against him for making Cassio Lieutenant, but because he believes that Othello has slept with his own wife. “For that I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped into my sea