The villains are cunning and clever as they use their mastery of manipulation in an attempt to gain power. Shakespeare presents the tragedies, Macbeth and Othello as plays full of plots driven by manipulation. Shakespeare uses the power of language in the characters Iago and Lady Macbeth using influential rhetoric to influence those around them and also lead to the deadly fall of Othello and Macbeth. In both cases, Shakespeare reveals the strength of power because when things do not go according to plan, their own downfall is also inevitable. In Macbeth, Lady Macbeth's actions show that women can also have the same ambitions as men and perhaps be just as devious and evil. It is this ambition and facility for cruelty that fuels his manipulation. She is considered masculine in her character because she takes on an affirmative role as she supports and persuades a weak and fearful husband. Shakespeare allows Lady Macbeth to cast out her femininity, allowing her to pursue her murderous actions. Her influence on her husband reveals her weaknesses and the weaknesses of men. Iago, on the other hand, is consumed by envy and seeks revenge on Othello. His constant deception and ease of manipulation allow us to see his amoral nature. Shakespeare allows the audience a connection with Iago, one finds oneself intrigued by his evil deeds. By pointing to the evil we all have within us, Shakespeare allows his audience to live through Iago. Lady Macbeth and Iago both have the advantage of knowing their counterparts very well, so they are able to scheme and manipulate by using their weaknesses against them. Lady Macbeth's ambition surpasses that of her husband and once she hears about the witches' prophecy, she feels that she will Ki...... middle of paper ......ion because she doesn't give Othello the answers what he's looking for. Othello already poisoned by hatred and anger kills Iago to avenge the deaths of Desdemona and Emilia. In both Macbeth and Othello, Shakespeare uses his characters to exploit their counterparts to get what they want. Both disturb the natural order of things in the show and cause the downfall of everyone involved. They are both master manipulators who seek the power they believe they deserve and will stop at nothing until their will is done. Shakespeare reveals how jealousy and ambition can be blinding and cause only destruction to all involved. Works Cited Shakespeare, William and EAJ Honigmann. Othello. London: Arden Shakespeare, 2001. Print.Shakespeare, William and Kenneth Muir. Macbeth. London: Methuen, 1972. Print. Garber, Marjorie B. Shakespeare After All. New York: Pantheon, 2004. Print.