1. Introduction to Twelfth Night

2. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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”

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.