Manipulation involves using different methods to influence others’ choices.  Manipulation is the most dominant in these 2 fictional characters. One character is a “hero” that has selfish motives and intentions. The other is a vengeful antagonist in one of Shakespeare’s more popular plays Othello. These characters would most often be considered by fans as dangerous antagonists in their own universes. Both of these characters are well respected at the beginning of the stories but eventually they spiral into darkness or are already spiraling in darkness. The villainous “hero” Homelander and the manipulative Iago both use a wide range of methods to shape or guide someone’s actions to fulfill their selfish desires.

The main similarity between Iago and Homelander is how they manipulate the people around them. They use many different techniques during the process including deception and false information. Deception and false information is used when Iago feeds Othello false information about how Desdemona was sleeping with Cassio. The way Homelander uses deception and false information is by having his public image as a very kind and caring individual by donating to charities and spreading positivity. He also says that he is trying to help the world, but behind the scenes he is a manipulative and violent person that will do anything to get his way. Since they are both very atrocious and cunning individuals, they both belong in Ring One-Violence. This is because Homelander and Iago have caused deaths and pain with the people among them. The punishment in this circle of hell is that they are submerged in blood with the amount of people they have killed. This is a suitable punishment for both of these vile individuals.

Another reason that Iago and Homelander are similar because they both have similar desires like wanting to be powerful. Homelander seeks to dominate the superhero world and to expand influence on his greatness, and he wants to be the most well known and most powerful. Iago on the other hand desires the power of higher ranks within the military. This is shown in the play when Iago says “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.“(Act 1 scene 1). This quote explains that Iago wants more power and believes that he does not belong in lower ranks with less power which leads to the destruction and chaos of the play Othello.