An individual's self-perception varies based on what they believe is an illusion and what they believe is reality. In today's society, this same idea is present when people interact with each other, as they may maintain a different perception of what others think of them than what is the hard truth. As a matter of fact, human beings possess the potential to influence the behaviors and thoughts of others in a way that benefits themselves and disappoints those around them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay William Shakespeare in Othello develops the idea that characters on the island of Cyprus are constantly deceived by each other, implanting a sense of illusion, ultimately shielding reality and altering self-perception. Roderigo's self-perception is manipulated throughout the text by Iago, where he is convinced and assured that Desdemona's rightful place is right at his side. In Act 1, we first meet Roderigo as the rich, dim-witted Venetian, and he believes that he can essentially win Desdemona by sending her expensive and lavish gifts. From the very beginning, we see Iago's diabolical manipulation manifest where Roderigo exclaims, "Tush, never tell me! I take it very unkindly that you, Iago, who have had my purse as if the strings were yours, should know it". As the reader, we see that Roderigo has given Iago blind trust, but is already suspicious of his true motives. Iago also takes Othello's side when Brabantio and Roderigo's men come for him where he attacks his "partner in crime" by saying, "You, Roderigo! come, sir, I am for you." Luckily for him, Iago manages to repair himself by explaining that everything is part of the revolt to devastate Othello, and continues with his cunning by taking advantage of Roderigo without him suspecting anything. After this meeting, Roderigo's self-perception remains unchanged as he still believes that Desdemona will be his once Iago completes his plan, as he can see that it is evident that Othello has full faith in Iago. When he tries to reconcile and discover reality, Roderigo's perception is slowly faded, mainly by pure love, and he is unable to realize the truth. In scene 3, Roderigo witnesses the meeting between Brabantio and Desdemona, confirming his loyalty to Othello where he also chooses her husband over her father, leading him into a severe depression. He tells Iago that he would rather "drown himself" than live another day and continue to be embarrassed by Iago and his nonsense. Once again Iago reacts by comforting him and assuring him that "there are many events in the womb that will be brought forth." Furthermore, Roderigo arrives in Cyprus with the rest of the characters, and is given the task of making Cassio angry. so much so that he lost his job. Iago's reasoning is that Cassio is in love with Desdemona and that this fact prevents him from executing the perfectly laid out plan he has devised. Roderigo once again doubts Iago's statement that Cassio loves Desdemona as "she is full of blessed condition", and Cassio's actions towards her were simply "courtesy". After some further convincing from Iago, Roderigo agrees to be the undertaker of his plan. Roderigo's mindset has been altered again, along with his self-perception of who he truly is outside of his love argument for Desdemona. He is unable to reconcile himself to the fact that he is simply an illusion and is being used for Iago's personal gain; her innocence is off-putting and is stripped away little by little as the leech hole gets bigger and bigger.