Characters of Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is a comedy of mistaken identity filled with a colorful cast of characters. Here's a brief
overview:
Main Characters
• Viola: A young woman shipwrecked in Illyria, who disguises herself as a boy named Cesario to find work.
• Orsino: The Duke of Illyria, deeply in love with Olivia.
• Olivia: A wealthy countess, mourning the recent death of her brother.
• Malvolio: Olivia's steward, a pompous and self-important character.
• Uncle Toby Belch: Olivia's boisterous uncle, known for his love of drinking and revelry.
• Sir Andrew Aguecheek: A foolish and easily influenced knight, pursuing Olivia.
• Maria: Olivia's witty and clever lady-in-waiting.
• Feste: Olivia's jester, a witty and philosophical character.
• Sebastian: Viola's twin brother, believed to be lost at sea.

Supporting Characters

• Antonio: A sea captain who rescues Sebastian and becomes his loyal friend.
• Fabian: A servant in Olivia's household, often involved in Sir Toby's schemes.
• Valentine and Curio: Gentlemen attending on Orsino
 Viola

1. Disguised identity: Viola adopts the male identity of Cesario to survive and find her brother.
2. Resourceful and intelligent: She cleverly navigates the complexities of the Illyrian court.
3. Loyal and devoted: She remains faithful to Orsino despite her growing feelings for him.
4. Strong and independent: She faces challenges with courage and determination.
5. Romantic and idealistic: She believes in true love and longs for a happy ending.
6. Witty and charming: Her quick wit and engaging personality make her well-liked.
7. Compassionate and empathetic: She understands the pain of others and offers support.
8. Conflicted and torn: Her love for Orsino and her growing feelings for Olivia create inner turmoil.
9. Optimistic and hopeful: She maintains a positive outlook despite adversity.
10. Ultimately rewarded: Her honesty, loyalty, and love are rewarded with a happy ending.

Malvolio

1. Pompous and arrogant: He has a high opinion of himself and looks down on others.
2. Hypocritical and judgmental: He criticizes others for behavior he himself engages in.
3. Ambitious and materialistic: He desires social advancement and wealth.
4. Stiff and formal: He adheres rigidly to social conventions and etiquette.
5. Vulnerable to flattery: He is easily manipulated by the forged love letter.
6. Self-delusional: He believes his own inflated image of himself.
7. Comic relief: His exaggerated behavior and downfall provide humor for the audience.
8. Victim of circumstance: He is cruelly tricked and humiliated by the other characters.
9. Complex and multifaceted: Despite his flaws, he evokes sympathy and pity.
10. Ultimately redeemed: His experience leads to a potential change in character.

Orsino

1. Melancholy and lovesick: He is consumed by his unrequited love for Olivia.

2. Idealistic and romantic: He has a poetic and idealized view of love.
3. Indecisive and passive: He is unable to take action to win Olivia's love.
4. Self-absorbed and narcissistic: He focuses primarily on his own emotions.
5. Superficial and fickle: His love for Olivia seems more based on infatuation than true love.
6. Patronizing and condescending: He treats Viola/Cesario with a sense of superiority.
7. Eventually finds love: His love for Viola ultimately leads to happiness.
8. Undergoes character development: He learns from his experiences and grows as a person.
9. Contradictory: He is both passionate and indecisive, idealistic and superficial.
10. Ultimately redeemable: His flaws are balanced by his capacity for love and growth.

Olivia

1. Mourning and withdrawn: She is deeply saddened by her brother's death.

2. Independent and strong-willed: She defies social conventions and expectations.
3. Impulsive and passionate: She quickly falls in love with Viola disguised as Cesario.
4. Contradictory and complex: She is both grieving and flirtatious, independent and vulnerable.
5. Intelligent and perceptive: She sees through Malvolio's pretensions.
6. Playful and mischievous: She enjoys the deception and games of love.
7. Ultimately finds happiness: She marries Duke Orsino and finds love again.
8. Undergoes character development: She moves from grief to joy, from isolation to connection.
9. Relatable and human: Her experiences and emotions are relatable to the audience.
10. A symbol of female strength and resilience: She overcomes adversity and finds fulfillment.

A Critical Estimate of Twelfth Night

1. Masterful Comedy of Errors:

Twelfth Night is a quintessential example of Shakespearean comedy, expertly weaving a complex plot
involving mistaken identities, love triangles, and comedic subplots. The play’s intricate structure and well-timed
comedic moments contribute to its enduring popularity.

2. Exploration of Love and Identity:

The play delves into the complexities of love, exploring themes of infatuation, unrequited love, and the power
of disguise. Viola's cross-dressing and the ensuing confusion highlight the fluid nature of identity and the
blurring of gender roles.

3. Social Commentary and Satire:

Through characters like Malvolio, Shakespeare offers a satirical critique of social pretensions and the pursuit of
status. The play also touches upon themes of class and hierarchy, challenging societal norms.

4. Rich Characterization:
Twelfth Night boasts a vibrant cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and motivations. From the
melancholy Orsino to the witty Viola, the characters are complex and relatable, adding depth to the play.

5. Language and Verse:

Shakespeare’s masterful use of language is evident in Twelfth Night. The play is filled with lyrical poetry, witty
banter, and memorable speeches.

6. Balance of Comedy and Melancholy:

The play skillfully balances comedic elements with moments of melancholy, creating a rich and nuanced
emotional experience for the audience. This interplay between humor and pathos enhances the overall impact of
the play.

7. Enduring Relevance:

Despite being written centuries ago, Twelfth Night remains relevant to contemporary audiences. The play's
exploration of love, identity, and social dynamics resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.

8. Influence on Subsequent Drama:

Twelfth Night has had a profound influence on subsequent dramatic works, serving as a model for romantic
comedies and comedies of errors. Its impact on the development of dramatic conventions is undeniable.

9. Ambiguous Ending:

While the play concludes with multiple marriages, the overall tone is somewhat ambiguous, leaving room for
interpretation. Some critics argue that the ending is rushed or anticlimactic, while others appreciate its open-
endedness.

10. A Testament to Shakespeare's Genius:

Twelfth Night stands as a testament to Shakespeare’s unparalleled skill as a playwright. The play’s enduring
popularity, complex characters, and masterful storytelling solidify its place as one of his greatest comedies.

The Importance of Songs and Music in Twelfth Night

Music and song in Twelfth Night are far more than mere entertainment; they serve as integral components of the
play's thematic depth, character development, and overall atmosphere.

Thematic Resonance

• Love and Melancholy: The play's central theme of love, often tinged with melancholy, is profoundly expressed
through music. Orsino's opening lines, "If music be the food of love, play on," set the tone for a play that uses
music as a means to both celebrate and lament love's complexities.
• Time and Mortality: Many of the songs in Twelfth Night carry a sense of transience and the fleeting nature of
life. This theme is particularly evident in Feste's songs, which often have a bittersweet quality.
 • Folly and Wisdom: Feste, the fool, employs music as a tool to both entertain and critique the other characters.
His songs often contain hidden meanings and social commentary, highlighting the play's exploration of folly and
wisdom.

Character Development

• Feste: As the play's resident musician and jester, Feste's songs provide insights into his character and his
perception of the world. His music serves as a counterpoint to the emotional turmoil of the other characters.
• Orsino and Olivia: Music is a crucial element in understanding the characters of Orsino and Olivia. Their affinity
for music reflects their romantic and idealistic natures, while also highlighting their emotional vulnerability.

Atmospheric Enhancement

• Mood and Tone: The use of music helps to create a specific atmosphere in the play. The melancholic tunes often
mirror the characters' emotional states, while the lively songs contribute to the comedic elements.
• Dramatic Irony: Songs can also be used to create dramatic irony, as the audience may understand the
implications of a song's lyrics better than the characters themselves.

In conclusion, music and song in Twelfth Night are not mere adornments but essential elements that contribute
significantly to the play's meaning and impact. They serve as a powerful tool for exploring themes, developing
characters, and creating a rich and immersive theatrical experience.

Twelfth Night: A Classic Romantic Comedy

Twelfth Night is undoubtedly a cornerstone of the romantic comedy genre. Shakespeare's masterful blend of
humor, love, and mistaken identity creates a captivating and enduring play.

Key Elements of Romantic Comedy

• Love Triangles and Misunderstandings: At the heart of the play is a complex web of love triangles and
misunderstandings. Viola's disguise as Cesario leads to Olivia falling in love with her, while Viola herself develops
feelings for Orsino. These intricate relationships form the backbone of the comedic and romantic tension.
• Mistaken Identities: The play thrives on mistaken identities. Viola's disguise, coupled with the appearance of her
twin brother Sebastian, creates a whirlwind of confusion and comedic situations.
• Happy Ending: A hallmark of romantic comedies, Twelfth Night concludes with multiple marriages, resolving the
romantic entanglements and restoring order to the world.
• Wit and Humor: Shakespeare's sharp wit and clever dialogue are essential to the comedic tone of the play.
Characters like Feste, the clown, provide constant laughter and comic relief.
• Social Satire: While primarily a romantic comedy, the play also offers social commentary. Malvolio's character,
for example, satirizes the pretentiousness and social climbing often associated with the upper class.

Beyond the Surface

While Twelfth Night adheres to the conventions of romantic comedy, it also delves into deeper themes and
complexities. The play explores the nature of love, identity, and social class. Viola's disguise challenges
traditional gender roles, and the characters' emotional journeys add depth to the comedic elements.

In conclusion, Twelfth Night is a masterful example of the romantic comedy genre. Its enduring popularity is a
testament to Shakespeare's ability to combine laughter, love, and insightful characterization into a timeless and
entertaining play.
Character of Sir Toby Belch
1. Life of the Party: Sir Toby is a jovial and boisterous character, always seeking entertainment and amusement.
2. Disregard for Authority: He has little respect for authority, particularly Malvolio, and enjoys mocking him.
3. Lover of Merriment: Drinking, singing, and revelry are his favorite pastimes.
4. Loyal Friend: Despite his flaws, he is loyal to his friends, especially Maria.
5. Immature and Childish: His behavior often lacks maturity and responsibility, resembling that of a child.
6. Comic Relief: He serves as a primary source of comedy in the play, providing laughter and entertainment.
7. Disruptive Influence: His wild behavior often causes chaos and disruption in Olivia's household.
8. Financial Dependence: He relies on Olivia for financial support, contributing to his carefree lifestyle.
9. Skillful Plotter: While immature, he demonstrates cunning when plotting pranks, as seen in the Malvolio plot.
10. Endearing Flaws: Despite his shortcomings, his charm and wit make him a beloved character.