The Machinations of Lago and Krogstad

"Othello," written by William Shakespeare and "A Doll's House," written by Henrik Isben are two works in drama that despite their contrasting drama types (a Shakespearean drama, and a modern drama,) contain characters whose persona and machinations are very similar. "Othello" and "A Doll's House" both contain iniquitous characters whose evilness is fueled by necessity and desire of control.

The character Iago from "Othello," and the character Krogstad from "A Doll's House" are two characters who posses a motivation to manipulate, and utilize others to destroy their bosses in order to attain their personal gain of control.. In "Othello," the cold character Iago feels very displaced, jealous and betrayed by his boss as he in not given the position (as lieutenant) that he was promised, eager for control Iago emits a series of cold actions to reach his goal. These cold actions include the incessant manipulation of people; he manipulates Roderigo for money, and convinces him to harm Cassio, and out of jealously he even manipulates Othello and deceives him into believing his wife is having an affair, "Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio."

In "A Doll's House," the sinister character Krogstad also feels very displaced, jealous, and betrayed as he is on the verge of becoming fired by his boss and is soon to be replaced by someone else. Krogstad has the same goal as Iago to obtain control, only his focus is on the manipulation of a single person, and not many people like Iago. Krogstad uses intimidation and blackmail as forms of manipulation, to gain power, "But let me tell you this-if I lose my position a second time, you shall lose yours with me." These two characters are both motivated by control.