Introduction to Twelfth Night

A Brief Summary Kingdom of Illyria Orsino pines for Lady Olivia. Off the coast, a storm has caused a terrible shipwreck. Viola is swept onto the shore She assumes that her twin brother, Sebastian, has been drowned Viola disguises herself as a man to work for Duke Orsino

Viola/“Cesario” Aristocratic birth/protagonist Disguises herself as “Cesario” to get work after the shipwreck Falls in love with Duke Orsino while working for him. Olivia falls in love with “Cesario” . Viola cannot reveal her true identity to either.

DUKE ORSINO Powerful nobleman of Illyria Lovesick for Lady Olivia Becomes more and more fond of “Cesario” Egotistic Shows the absurdity of love – enjoys the idea of being in love rather than experiencing it

Lady Olivia Wealthy, beautiful noble lady of Illyria Mourning her Brother Will not marry for seven years Similar character to Orsino Wallows in her own misery She breaks free from this melancholy when pining away for “Cesario”

Minor Characters Sebastian Malvolio Viola’s twin brother Assumed dead after wreck BFF’s with Antonio Lady Olivia wants to marry him People think they know him Head servant to Lady Olivia Very straight-laced Looks down on having fun Tricks get played on him Wants to rise above his social class

Minor Characters Feste the fool Sir Toby Belch The court jester Known as Feste Pokes fun at the rich Despite being the fool, he often seems like the wisest character Olivia’s Uncle Lives with Lady Olivia Looked down upon for poor behaviour and his friend-Sir Andrew Ally to serving woman Maria Opposite of Malvolio

Minor Characters Maria Sir Andrew Clever and daring young servant to Lady Olivia Similar to her antagonist Malvolio Wants to raise her social status through a wealthy marriage Friend of Sir Toby’s Attempts to court Lady Olivia Does not stand a chance Thinks he is witty and charming He is in fact an idiotic oaf

Final Minor Characters Antonio: Recues Sebastian from the shipwreck and falls in love with Sebastian, his love remains unrequited Valentine and Curio: Two gentlemen who work for Duke Orsino Fabian: A servant in Olivia’s household. He assists Maria and Sir Toby in their plot to humiliate Malvolio Captain: Rescues Viola after the shipwreck. He helps Viola become a page for Duke Orsino and keeps her identity a secret.