Can One Truly Love A Deceiver?

Although it was not my first time experiencing a work of William Shakespeare, Othello managed to greatly surprise me by how well the plot hooked me. My only other exposure to the playwright until that point had been Macbeth, and an unconvincing junior high school performance of Romeo and Juliet. However, I swallowed Othello hook, line, and sinker for one reason: the character of Iago, the primary antagonist whom Shakespeare brought to life even more vividly than the title character.

"Lying through my teeth
 at my sadness... behind a smile."
- "All the Time" by Spirit Club

I immediately fell in love with Iago because he is a lying, two-faced hedonist who serves no master but himself. To be clear, I don't idolize Iago or wish to be like him; rather, I love his character because he is one extreme that all humans have the potential to become, but that mercifully few people do. Most people want to be perceived as good in the eyes of their peers, and they act in a way that fosters that perception. However, Iago realizes that he does not have to behave in a good manner for others to think he is good - he simply needs to appear good, even while he is doing evil. As such, he acts upon almost every evil impulse, provided that he is confident that he can get away with his conduct (a hallmark characteristic of a true sociopath). He contrasts sharply with to all the other characters in Othello who, while possessing their own vices, are essentially genuine and honest (and gullible) people.

Shakespeare's talent in creating and exploring interesting and complex characters like Iago makes me want to experience more of his works, starting with A Midsummer Night's Dream. Even more exciting is the prospect of seeing these works performed live. If these performances stay true to the spirit of Shakespeare's plays, I am confident that they will be a delight to watch.