Disturbing, check. Daunting, yes. Two of the many words to describe a man who acts as he looks, two faced. The ability to lie is effortless, however the ability to deceit and manipulate is an art. A person of such has the ability to lead others to self-destruction. From The Batman storyline, two face displays the depths a man will dive in order to quench his wants. Two Face (Harvey Dent) is determined to rid crime from the streets of Gotham while Iago is on a quest to become Lieutenant. Different desires but similar tactics, both characters are willing to wreak havoc upon others to satisfy their desires. Both characters possess a package of innocence and madness that leaves others to fall into their trap of trust. It is trust that allows them to backstab an ally with a smile. At first glance the viewer is drawn to the charred and repulsive half of Dents’ face. Monstrous, evil and deceptive are a few words that come to mind. In relation to Iago, the right side of Dents’ face is the dual personality Iago possesses. From the start the reader is introduced to the deceptive mindset of Iago. “In following him, I follow but myself.” (1.1.60) With such a short sentence the reader is drawn into the character, wondering what he will do next. The uncertainty Iago possesses displays a man who will do what he deems. Call him evil, Iago moves with the skillfulness of a chess player. Each move he takes is aimed at getting him one step closer to his goal. Much like Two Face, the ability to puppeteer his closest friends allows him to create the illusion that he is a weakling, a man who respects authority. This brings me to the left side of Two Face which displays innocence. It is innocence that draws others toward him, putting their trust within him. As evil as Two Face is, the left side is a reminder that he is not a monster. It gives hope that you can approach him not as a foe by an ally. It is this rarity that Two Face and Iago share. Most villainous characters are purely evil, however Iago has the ability to display a human side relatable to Two Face. As Iago is causing dysfunction within the play, he displays human emotions, comforting characters in times of distress. “I know, Iago, Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter.” (2,3,209) Such affection creates the aura of a person who generally cares, a person characters trust in times of need. As characters talk their hearts out, Iago plots as to how he can use their weakness to his advantage. It is the ying and yang personality that allows characters such as Two Face and Iago to be successful in carrying out plans they desire.
Image Credit: http://batman.wikia.com/wiki/Two-Face_(Aaron_Eckhart))