You are right to focus on the way that other characters
view Iago in this Shakespearian tragedy. It is clearly this position of being considered
an "honest" man that gives Iago the opportunity he is looking for to manipulate and
betray others. In particular, he is able to bring about various plots against his
superior, Othello, who, as it is shown in Act I scene 3, trusts him completely. Note how
he describes Iago to the Duke in this scene:
So please your grace, my
ancient:
A man he is of honesty and
trust.
He then addresses Iago
by calling him "Honest Iago." Clearly, it is the mistaken confidence that Othello places
in Iago that gives Iago free rein to devise his various plots and stratagems and gain
the revenge that he so desperately wants against the perceived slight that embitters him
so greviously. The way in which he abuses the trust of other characters and manipulates
them would not have been possible were he not to have had such a high reputation to
begin with.
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