The theme of manipulation and deception is very prevalent 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 archetypal fool in love and therefore a perfect target for the manipulation of the intelligent Iago. His other characteristic that contributes to the theme is his boldness, which sometimes borders on recklessness. These traits allow him to fulfill his central role in Othello and further the theme of deception and manipulation. Roderigo's most 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 remarks "If I would pass time with such a snipe / But for my sport and profit" (Shakespeare 1.1.742); Roderigo is so stupid and impressionable that Iago wouldn't even associate with him if it didn't directly benefit him. Besides, even Roderigo knows he's impressionable. Before attacking Cassio (at Iago's suggestion), he remarks: "I have no great devotion to the act / And yet [Iago] has given me satisfactory reasons." / It is but a man who is gone” (Shakespeare, 5.1.8-10). He doesn't even want Cassio dead, and 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 act as Roderigo's puppeteer throughout the play, until his untimely death. Roderigo's impressionability is matched only by his audacity. Things the ordinary man wouldn't dream of doing (i.e. attempted murder) are not outside the realm of possibility when it comes to Roderigo. In fact, Roderigo is the only character...... in the middle of the paper's nightclub. The important 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 epitome of the lovable loser. All things considered, Roderigo not only advances the theme of manipulation, he embodies it. His character flaws make him both lovable and exploitable. He does terrible things and yet, rather than condemning him, we can't help but pity him. He has the best intentions in the world, but these bring with them the heaviest consequences of all. It is these qualities that make Roderigo such a memorable character and an important contributor to the overall theme of exploitation and betrayal. Poor Roderigo.Works CitedShakespeare, William. Othello. Bedford's compact introduction to literature. Ed. Michael Meyer. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2009. 1164-1244