In the end, Roderigo is stabbed his only "friend," Iago, who does not want him to reveal his secret plot. However, Roderigo finally outsmarts him by quickly writing a letter which he places in his pocket, pointing to Iago’s involvement in the plot and his guilt. Although he ultimately dies, he is in some part redeemed by his letters "Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain, / But that, belike, Iago in the interim / Came in and satisfied him" says Lodovico.