villain is often the most interesting and resourceful character in the text using whatever means possible
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This statement can be verified through the play Othello by William Shakespeare and the movie Cruel Intentions starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. There are some major differences between these two works, if only because of the different cultural/historical contexts in which they were set.
In both texts, the villains use whatever means available to achieve their intentions, like exploiting such issues as reputation, racism, jealousy, innocence, deception, loyalty.
In Shakespeare's Othello, Iago is the antagonist whom is the sole catalyst for Othello's downfall. Using his good reputation and ranking, he transpires mistrust in Othello and the other characters in the play, toying with each of them in turn.
Through his reputation of honesty he deceives and threatens and the reputation in order to achieve his plan to destroying the moor. Without this reputation of honesty, Iago could never have convinced Othello or the other characters to do what he told them and believe what they heard from him. In his soliloquy, he states, "I am not what I am" meaning that he will appear loyal to outward appearances but readily deceitful inside.
Similarly, the villain Katherine in Cruel Intentions uses her good reputation as a weapon to wound. Since she is the head student body of the school, she is deemed trustworthy; and a model example of a perfect student body, someone whom everyone looks up to...