Twelfth Night

Plot

Act 1

Scene 1:

Orsino is in love with Olivia. However, his servant, Valentine informs him that
Olivia is in mourning after the death of her brother, and has sworn to remain
alone for 7 years.

Scene 2:

We learn that the ship Viola and her twin brother, Sebastian were on, was ship-
wrecked. Viola was saved by a captain, and is brought to Illyria. Sebastian is
presumed dead. The captain tells her of Orsino, and Viola believes that by
disguising herself as a boy and serving Orsino, she will be safe until she finds a
way to get home.

Scene 3:

We are introduced to Feste (the Fool), Sir Toby Belch (Olivia’s uncle), Maria and
Sir Andrew Aguecheek. Toby is a drunkard, who annoys Olivia, but Maria likes
him. Andrew enters. It is a scene of wordplay and of physical comedy.

Scene 4:

Viola is dressed as a man, and goes by the name ‘Cesario’. Valentine says that
Orsino is very fond of ‘him’. Orsino enters and tells Cesario to speak with Olivia,
and to speak well of him and tell her how much he loves her. However, already
Viola is falling in love with Orsino.

Scene 5:

Maria berates Feste for annoying Olivia. When Olivia enters she makes her
displeasure with Feste obvious; yet Feste mocks her. Feste uses logic, showing
that although he is the Fool, he is an intelligent character. Malvolio shows himself
to be cold and humourless. Maria, then Toby, then Malvolio tell Olivia that a man
representing Orsino is at the gate (it is ‘Cesario’).

Cesario is resolute, and eventually Olivia agrees to see him. ‘Cesario’ enters.
Olivia is hard on Cesario, whilst Cesario is brazen. Cesario then gives Olivia great
romantic speeches. When Cesario leaves, it is clear that Olivia is falling in love
with ‘him’. She pretends that Cesario left a ring, and tells Malvoli to give it to him,
so she can see Cesario/Olivia again.

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Act 2

Scene 1:

We are introduced to Sebastian, Viola’s twin, who also survived the shipwreck.
He explains that he is from Messaline. He thanks his friend, Antonio for saving
him, but wants to be alone. He believes that his sister has drowned. Sebastian
leaves to head for Orsino’s court. Antonio loves Sebastian so much that he will
follow him, even though he is an enemy of Orsino, and will be at risk in Illyria.

Scene 2:

Malvolio gives Viola the ring. Viola realizes that Olivia is in love with her.

Scene 3:

Toby and Andrew get drunk together. Feste enters and sings a song and their
behest. Maria turns up and tells them to be quiet; it is late and they might
awaken Olivia. She will then send Malvolio down. They begin to talk negatively
about Malvolio. Malvolio arrives and begins to tell them off. He considers them
rowdy and uncivil. After Malvolio has left, Maria describes him as a ‘puritan’ and
explains why she dislikes him and tells them she has a trick to play on him. She’ll
write a letter, supposedly from Olivia, which will express Olivia’s love for
Malvolio.

Scene 4:

Feste sings another song, this time for the Orsino and his friends. Later, Viola
hints at her love for Orsino, yet he does not understand, and sends her again to
Olivia.

Scene 5:

Maria leaves the letter on the ground. Malvolio finds it, and now believes that
Olivia loves him. All this is witnessed by Toby, Andrew, and Fabian (one of
Olivia’s servants). They consider him arrogant. Mal is ambitious: ‘To be Count
Malvolio!’. He imagines Toby being subservient to him. He finds the letter and it
hints that Olivia is speaking of him. It says that she wants Malvolio to be dressed
in yellow stockings with cross-garters (which will look ridiculous and are things
which Olivia hates). It also tells him to smile all the time.

Act 3

Scene 1:

Opens with Viola and Feste. Feste displays his wit. Olivia enters and soon tells
Viola/Cesario that she loves him.

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Scene 2

Andrew knows of Olivia’s affections for Cesario, and loving Olivia himself, writes
a letter which challenges Cesario to a dual. Maria enters and explains that
Malvolio is wearing the yellow stockings. She says such a display is unchristian.

Scene 3:

Antonio has followed Sebastian. He gives Sebastian money in case he needs to

buy something.

Scene 4:

There is a comedy scene involving Malvolio and Olivia. Malvolio is carrying out
the actions which were described I the letter. Olivia thinks he has gone mad. But
for Malvolio, Olivia’s reaction just strengthens his believe that she loves him.

Olivia tells the others to lock Malvolio up.

Act 4

Scene 2

Feste pretends to be a priest and visits the imprisoned Malvolio.

Scene 3

Olivia brings in a priest and to Sebastian’s surprise arranges for them to be

married.

Act 5

Sebastian and Viola, realize who each other is; the confusion is resolved.

Malvolios is released and explains to Olivia, how he was tricked. Fabian explains
that they did it because of Malvolio’s superior attitude. Malvolio swears revenge.
Orsino and Viola are to married. The play ends with Feste’s song.