The theme of manipulation and deception is very widespread in the Shakespearean tragedy Othello. Roderigo is the perfect embodiment of this classic theme. His gullibility and impressionability, as well as his love for Desdemona, make him the archetype of the madman in love and therefore a perfect target for manipulation by the intelligent Iago. His other characteristic that contributes to the theme is his boldness, which at times borders on recklessness. These traits allow him to fulfill his vital role in Othello and carry forward the theme of deception and manipulation. Roderigo's predominant characteristic is his impressionability. He is easily convinced and quickly gives in to pressure. In Act 1, Scene 1, speaking directly to the audience, Iago observes "If I would spend time with such a snipe / But for my own amusement and profit" (Shakespeare 1.1.742); Roderigo is so stupid and impressionable that Iago wouldn't even associate with him if it wasn't for his direct benefit. After all, Roderigo also knows he is impressionable. Before attacking Cassio (at Iago's suggestion), he observes “I have no great devotion to the deed / Yet [Iago] has given me satisfactory reasons. / He is but a missing man” (Shakespeare, 5.1.8-10). He doesn't even want Cassio to die, yet he was convinced by Iago that this would bring him closer to his ultimate aspiration of being with Desdemona. His seemingly endless impressionability allows Iago to play the role of puppeteer to Roderigo throughout the play, until his untimely death. Roderigo's impressionability is equaled only by his audacity. Things that the average man wouldn't dream of doing (e.g. attempted murder) are not out of the realm of possibility when it comes to Roderigo. In fact, Roderigo is the only… middle of paper… character in the nightclub. The point here is that the audience must sympathize with Roderigo. The more the audience can identify with the character, the more powerful the drama becomes, and David Paymer is the emblematic, lovable underdog. All in all, Roderigo not only addresses the theme of manipulation, but embodies it. His character flaws make him lovable and exploitable. He does terrible things and yet, instead of condemning him, we can't help but pity him. It has the best intentions but they bring with them the heaviest consequences. It is these qualities that make Roderigo such a memorable character and an important contribution to the overall theme of exploitation and betrayal. Poor Roderigo.Works CitedShakespeare, William. Othello. Bedford's compact introduction to literature. Ed. Michael Mayer. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2009. 1164-1244