The play Othello by William Shakespeare is a depiction of jealousy and deceit. The two characters Cassio and Roderigo play a vital role throughout the play in representing Shakespeare's theme of how ignorance, whether it be words of advice from others or simply directions, can lead to ruin. Cassio and Roderigo both play an essential role in showing how persisting – ignoring anything that might be a warning sign – to get what we want is not always the correct approach. The first similarity that unites Cassio and Roderigo is their attraction towards Desdemona. Cassio's relationship with Desdemona is really only on a platonic level. However, due to the misinterpretation of Cassio's introduction to Desdemona, one may be led to believe that there is a scandal going on between them. In Roderigo's case, his fixation with Desdemona ultimately led to his downfall. Because of his obsession, Roderigo devoted all his wealth and efforts to acquiring Desdemona for himself. Both Cassio and Roderigo's ties to Desdemona put them in positions that could have been avoidable. Cassio could have cut his ties with Desdemona immediately after learning of the gossip, and Roderigo could have abandoned his obsession with Desdemona. This idea of ​​involving oneself in the suffering of others in a way supports what the Duke advised in Othello, I.iii.199-209. Cassio and Roderigo have no connection with Desdemona, but nevertheless they want to create a nuisance for themselves by involving Desdemona in their lives. Another similarity that links the two characters is the way they pursue their desires. After Othello demotes Cassio, "Cassio, I love thee / But never more be my officer" (II.ii. 211-212), Cassio shows great remorse for...... half of the sheet...... Roderigo who cries for what he had lost loses everything. By analyzing the similarities and differences of Cassio and Roderigo, one can see Shakespeare's theme of how ignorance, whether it be words of advice from others or simply directions, can lead to one's downfall. Cassio and Roderigo both play an essential role in showing how being persistent in achieving what we want is not always the correct approach. The main lesson learned is that when warning signs arise, pay attention to them! Works Cited Shakespeare, William. Othello. Ed. Daniele Vitkus. New York:Barnes & Noble Shakespeare, 2007.Burgess, C. F. “The Occupation of Othello.” Shakespeare Quarterly, Vol. 26, no. 2. (Spring 1975): 208-213. Folger Shakespeare Library. Network. November 11, 2009.Draper, John William. Shakespeare's moods and characters. New York:AMS Press, 1965. PR2989.D698.