In Shakespeare's Othello, Iago manipulates Othello into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him. Iago achieves this by manipulating Othello into being jealous and suspicious of Desdemona. Before Iago can defeat Othello, he must strike down more people to achieve his goal. Iago's manipulation of Othello to the point of jealousy and suspicion is a slow but effective process. In 1.1 Iago is furious with Othello because he has given up his position as lieutenant in command to Cassio. Instead of giving up, Iago tells Roderigo, “I serve under him to take advantage of him” (1.1). Iago is devising a plan to take revenge on Othello by making him an inconvenience to Desdemona's father. Iago then says to Roderigo, "I hate him, but I must give him signs of loyalty and affection, even if it is only a play" (1.1). Iago is trying to manipulate Othello into believing that his loyalties have never changed so as to lower his suspicion of betrayal and then finally drag him down when he least expects it. In order to bring down Othello, Iago must also bring down the man who was given the position he wanted in the first place. Before Iago's plan can work, he must anger Othello enough to fire Cassio from the army. Iago's plan succeeds and Cassio is dismissed from the army. Then, Iago says to Cassio, “Othello's wife has much influence now. He is completely devoted to her. Go and open your heart to her. Ask her to help you find your footing” (2.3). Iago tells Cassio to create an illusion in Othello to make him believe that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Therefore, bringing Othello even closer to the point of jealousy and