In Othello, we've viewed the character of Roderigo as Iago's idiotic underling. We also have learned that Iago's words and circular logic allow him to control those around him. At the very end of the second scene in the act, Roderigo threatens Iago's control, only for Iago to miraculously come up with a harebrained scheme that involves killing Cassio.
Roderigo enters in a rage, screaming that Iago's "words and performances are no kin together" (IV ii 213). Roderigo is angry because he has given up all his money on Iago's instructions, and he has yet to gain any affection from Desdemona. Iago craftily turns the conversation around, telling Roderigo that the situation is difficult, and that he's right to be doubtful of his plan. Iago then "reveals" the next part of the secret plan to Roderigo, telling him that Othello and Desdemona will leave the city unless Roderigo kills Cassio, thereby forcing Othello to take his place as governor. Roderigo complies, and gleefully goes off to murder Cassio.
In actuality, none of Iago's story is true. The question then becomes, why does Iago want Cassio dead? Perhaps he next intends to "out" Roderigo, using genuine evidence of his love for Desdemona, and using Roderigo's jealousy of Cassio's "successful" affair with Desdemona as a motive for his murder?
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