Iago manipulates others in Shakespeare's play Othello for his own selfish desires. He learns about people to find their weaknesses and uses lies and deception to turn them against each other for his own gain. Iago's ultimate goal is to destroy Othello and take his power, and he manipulates others like chess pieces to achieve this end, betraying anyone to further his plans.

1. Othello essay
Controlling people and their emotions is a way to take control of their
lives. They may even be able to tell the difference from the truth or a lie.
Manipulating people is all, but a game to Iago. Iago in the play “Othello” by
Shakespeare caused everyone’s lives to crumble. He destroys the harmony
between people and all for his selfish needs. But he wasn’t alone in his
planes. He used and betrayed people to help him achieve his goals. All he
really wants is power, to take down Othello, the people around him, and
even Iago himself.
Iago first would manipulate others by how that person was emotional.
He would learn a little about that person and think about how to use them.
To Iago it’s like playing chess, but using peoples as his pawns in his little
game of his. The power in his words speaks of lies and betrayals. On pg. 20,
when Iago says “After sometime, to abuse Othello’s ear that he is too
familiar with his wife. He hath a person and a smooth dispose to be
suspected; framed to make woman false.” (pg 20, S) And of course this
makes Othello believes him. Why would he do this? So he can destroy the
relationship between Othello and Desdemona.
He uses the information he gets from someone and uses it against
them. When he gives Cassio advice to get his job back and win Othello
friendship again. Iago says “And what’s he that says I play the villain?”

2. (pg37, S) He means by this is that he is a villain, but given Cassio good
advice. But this “advice” helps only helps Iago take down Cassio. He does
this because he wants Cassio’s job and giving Cassio this advice will get his
job.
He shows others what they want to see and know. To Othello the
image Iago projects is trustful, honest, and a friend. But Iago is only blinding
him from the truth. He confuses others into pinking right from wrong. This
confusion helps him twist people into to doing unbelievably things to get
what they want and Iago getting something out of it.
Deceiving people into doing something’s they wouldn’t do and
believing that he is honest. Controlling their minds, their hearts, and their
wellbeing is how Iago manipulates them. Making promises that he knows he
can’t keep, turning two people against each other, and being a false friend.
Like Iago said, “I am not what I am.”(pg. 3, S)