This question is based on William Shakespeare's Othello. The hypocritical character in the play is

Analyze the question: The question asks which character in Othello is a hypocrite, meaning someone who pretends to be virtuous, loyal, or sincere while secretly being the opposite.

Explain the concept: In literature, a hypocrite is a character whose outward behaviour contradicts his true motives. Shakespeare builds Othello around this contrast between appearance and reality.

Step-by-step solution:

• Montano is the former governor of Cyprus. He is honest and dutiful, and is wounded when Cassio gets drunk. He is not deceptive.
• Cassio is Othello's loyal lieutenant. His flaw is that he cannot hold his drink, and he is not a hypocrite. He is a victim of Iago's scheming.
• Roderigo is a foolish, gullible suitor of Desdemona. Iago manipulates him, so he is a dupe rather than a hypocrite.
• Iago pretends to be loyal, honest, and a true friend to Othello, Cassio, and Roderigo. This is why he is called "honest Iago." In reality he hates Othello, and he plots his downfall by planting false suspicions about Desdemona's fidelity. He even says, "I am not what I am." This is the clearest example of hypocrisy in the play.

Answer: The hypocritical character is Iago, which is option B.

Exam tip: For Othello, link character words to their traits:

• Iago = villain, hypocrite, schemer, manipulator
• Othello = noble but jealous, easily deceived
• Desdemona = innocent, faithful
• Roderigo = gullible
• Cassio = loyal but weak with drink

When you see "hypocritical," "deceitful," or "villain," think Iago.