Othello In Othello by William Shakespeare, the villain Iago has many motives for ruining the lives of Othello, Cassio, Desdemona, and Roderigo. They include jealousy, fears of infidelity, greed, and his anger at being passed on for a promotion. These passionate motives drives Iago, turning him into one of the most evil of villains Shakespeare has created. Roderigo a solider in Othello’s army and once a courtier of Othello’s wife Desdemona is under Iago’s spell from the beginning. Iago’s manipulates him into aggravating Cassio, Iago’s rival and into giving him all his money to sway Desdemona. Iago tells Roderigo to, “ But, sir, be you ruled by me: