A tragic fault is a character trait which causes the action of a tragic hero or

character. Iago manipulates Othello and Cassio by using their character traits and flaws

against them. It will become evident how he does this as you read further.

Iago exploits Othello's character traits. Othello's trust is manipulated by Iago. Iago

lies to Othello, who thinks he wouldn't lie to him. Iago tells Othello that Desdemona is

having an affair and he believes him because he trusts him. His integrity was also

exploited by Iago. Othello killed Desdemona because of his integrity, which Iago

planned. Othello would rather have Desdemona dead than to let her have an affair with

another man. Iago exploited Othello, but he also exploited Cassio.

Iago manipulates Cassio's character traits. Cassio's charisma is exploited by Iago.

Iago uses Cassio's charisma to get Othello think that Cassio and Desdemona are having

an affair. Othello believes Iago when he lies about Cassio's dream about Desdemona

because of Cassio's charisma. his honesty is also abused by Iago. Iago uses Cassio's

honesty about Bianca against him when he sets Cassio up and tells Othello that Cassio is

talking about Desdemona. this makes Othello want to kill Desdemona and Cassio. Iago's

exploits against Othello and Cassio work.

It became evident that, using their character traits and flaws against them, Iago

exploited Othello and Cassio. you read of the trickery Iago used to accomplish this vulgar

display of what, in his mind, seemed to be justice. These tragic characters are an example

of what can happen when your traits and flaws are manipulated by others.