The play Othello by William Shakespeare is based on an Italian story contained in Hecatommithi (Grolier) by Giraldi Cinthio. In Othello we meet Iago, one of Shakespeare's most evil characters. Iago is an officer in Othello's army and is jealous of Cassio's promotion to lieutenant. Through deception and appearance we see many lies and cunning schemes unfold. The amazing thing about Iago is that he seems to make up his evil plans as he goes along without any forethought. The well-known writer Samuel Taylor Coleridge describes Iago's plan as "the search for motives of unmotivated malignity" (Scott 413). Iago takes every opportunity to further advance his plan to his advantage. Greed plays a major role as the reason for his various plans and lies. Throughout the story, Iago portrays himself as a figure of Satan. In many ways, Iago can be compared to Satan. Iago, like Satan, has proven to be a master of deception. He lies to everyone, taking great care to disguise his thoughts. For example, in Act 1 Scene 2, when he talks to Othello about his feelings towards Cassio, he uses very strong language, while at the same time lying throughout the speech by feigning loyalty to a fellow soldier and all the while implying that he reluctantly withholds the whole truth: "I would rather this tongue be cut out of my mouth. Than it offend Michael Cassius" (I.ii.21-22). This deception impresses and convinces Othello that his officer is a good and loyal soldier. Iago also manages to deceive Cassio. After Cassio's drunken argument, Iago advises him to talk to Desdemona to try to convince Othello to reinstate him as lieutenant, knowing that this will only prove useful to his plan to get Othello to see him with Desdemona. Cassio replies to him: "You advise me well... Good night, honest Iago" (II.iii.332/340). Therefore, Cassio is also capable of being deceived by Iago. With all this deception, it's surprising that Iago isn't Satan himself. He also gives an account of his plan of deception, in a soliloquy, in Act II. Comparing himself to Satan, he says: When the devils will show off the blackest sins. At first they suggest celestial spectacles. As I do now: for a while this honest fool. He asks Desdemona to repair his fortunes. And she strongly entreats the Moor for him, I will pour this pestilence in his ear.