Roderigo The Evil Minion

Othello by William Shakespeare

If Iago should be seen as the great villain in Othello, then Roderigo assumes the role of evil minion.  He assists Iago in his manipulative scheme from angering Brabantio in Act I to instigating Cassio's drunken outburst in Act II.  Iago reveals his view of Roderigo as an imbecile meant to do his bidding and provide him with money when he says, "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse, for I mine own gained knowledge should profane if I would time expend with such a snipe but for my sport and profit,"  (Shakespeare 1382).  However, Iago reveals an important detail with that utterance: he relies on Roderigo for money.  The reliance is not monumental, but nevertheless such a dependency on Roderigo changes the whole dynamic between villain and minion.  It shows that Roderigo, though he has proven too stupid to realize it thus far, has the ability to influence Iago rather them merely bow to his will.  Furthermore, only Roderigo knows of Iago's true intentions concerning Cassio and Othello.  This inside knowledge, a weak financial hold, and Roderigo's self-proclaimed impatience with Iago lead me to believe he may eventually turn on the villain.  At the end of Act II, after serving Iago's will, Roderigo says, "My money is almost spent, I have been tonight exceedingly well cudgeled . . . so, with no money at all and a little more wit, [I] return again to Venice," (Shakespeare 1401).  Roderigo proves he is a dynamic character, displaying a shift from the blindly willing servant at the beginning of the play to an exhausted, irritated man desiring nothing but rest at home.  Nevertheless, Roderigo continues to help Iago after Iago goads him into it.  However, should Iago give Roderigo a reason to despise him, I believe the evil minion will turn against his master and bring about his demise.