Othello Act II

"If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit, The one's for use, the other useth it." II.i.129-130

During scene one of act II, Iago speaks disrespectfully about women to Desdemona and Emilia. On the other hand, Cassio treats them both with respect. He kisses their hand and calls them 'madame'. This separates the protagonists and the antagonists. Iago, the antagonist, is shown here as disrespectful and rude. He is trying to ruin Othello through manipulation of Cassio and Desdemona. Although this scene is not the determinant of the antagonist/protagonist, it shows the true characters of the two. This scene also shows Iago as a foil character. In the scene, he speaks disrespectfully about women and shows his true character. However, in front of Othello and Cassio, he is honest and trustworthy.