Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (Analysis of Major Characters)

 

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (Analysis of Major Characters) 

In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the major characters include:

 

Viola – The play's protagonist who disguises herself as a man named Cesario.

Viola is a complex and compelling character in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Here’s an analysis of her role and character traits:

 

1. Resourcefulness and Intelligence: Viola is quick-witted and adaptable, demonstrating her intelligence and resourcefulness when she disguises herself as Cesario. This disguise allows her to navigate a male-dominated society and achieve her goals in a way that would have been impossible for a woman.

 

2. Resilience: After being shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, Sebastian, Viola shows remarkable resilience. She quickly takes action to ensure her survival and secure a position in Duke Orsino’s court, despite the challenging circumstances.

 

3. Romantic Idealism: Viola’s love for Duke Orsino is sincere and deep, yet it’s also marked by a certain idealism. Her feelings are complicated by her disguise, as she must navigate her affection for Orsino while also handling the advances of Olivia, who falls for her male persona.

 

4. Ambiguity and Duality: Viola’s disguise as Cesario creates a fascinating duality in her character. This ambiguity allows Shakespeare to explore themes of identity, gender, and love. Viola’s true self remains hidden, and the tension between her public and private personas adds depth to her character.

 

5. Compassion and Empathy: Viola is empathetic and compassionate, evident in her interactions with other characters. Her kindness towards Olivia and her efforts to mediate between Orsino and Olivia reveal her caring nature.

 

6. Agency and Independence: Despite the constraints placed on women in her time, Viola exhibits strong personal agency. She takes control of her own fate, making choices that reflect her desires and values rather than simply conforming to societal expectations.

 

Viola’s character is central to the play’s exploration of love, identity, and societal roles. Her ability to navigate and manipulate these themes while remaining true to her own values makes her one of Shakespeare’s most memorable protagonists.

 

Orsino – The Duke of Illyria, who is in love with Olivia.

Orsino, the Duke of Illyria in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, is a complex character with several notable traits and motivations:

 

1. Romantic Idealism: Orsino is deeply infatuated with the idea of love rather than with Olivia herself. His speeches often reflect a romantic idealization of love as a powerful, consuming force. This is evident in his opening lines of the play where he describes love as a "sweet pang" that is both delightful and painful. His obsession with love often leads him to indulge in melancholy and self-pity.

 

2. Self-Indulgence: Orsino is characterized by his tendency towards self-indulgence and a certain degree of vanity. He revels in his own emotions and the drama of his unrequited love. His language is often elaborate and self-congratulatory, which suggests he finds satisfaction in his own suffering.

 

3. Lack of Self-Awareness: Orsino is somewhat self-absorbed and lacks awareness of his own shortcomings. He is unable to recognize the genuine qualities of those around him, including Viola (disguised as Cesario) and the true nature of his own feelings. His affection for Olivia is more about the pursuit and the idealized vision of love rather than a deep, personal connection.

 

4. Contrasts with Viola: Orsino's interactions with Viola, who he knows as Cesario, reveal his superficiality. He is quickly charmed by Cesario's wit and earnestness, indicating that his love for Olivia might be more about the chase and less about genuine affection. This contrast highlights Orsino's lack of true understanding of love and relationships.

 

5. Growth and Resolution: By the end of the play, Orsino's character undergoes significant development. His feelings for Olivia wane as he realizes his affection for Viola, suggesting a shift from idealistic love to a more genuine and reciprocal relationship. This transition demonstrates his capacity for personal growth and a deeper understanding of love.

 

Overall, Orsino is a character who embodies the themes of love and self-deception in Twelfth Night. His journey from an idealized, self-indulgent lover to someone capable of genuine affection mirrors the play's exploration of the nature of love and human connection.

 

Olivia – A wealthy countess who falls in love with Viola (disguised as Cesario).

In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Olivia is a complex character who undergoes significant development throughout the play. Here’s a detailed analysis of her character:

 

 Social Status and Initial Grief

Olivia is introduced as a wealthy countess mourning the recent death of her brother. Her status affords her both influence and independence, but her mourning also isolates her from potential suitors and the outside world. She has vowed to remain in mourning for seven years, rejecting the advances of Duke Orsino and isolating herself from society.

 

 Emotional Depth

Olivia’s initial portrayal is one of grief and solemnity. Her mourning is not just a social obligation but an expression of her deep personal loss. This period of mourning adds a layer of emotional depth to her character, as it underscores her capacity for deep affection and commitment.

 

 Attraction to Viola (Cesario)

Olivia’s character takes a turn when she encounters Viola, who is disguised as Cesario. Olivia is immediately struck by Cesario’s charm, wit, and eloquence. Her attraction is sudden and intense, revealing her vulnerability and the complexity of her emotions. Despite her vows and initial resistance to the idea of remarrying, Olivia falls deeply in love with Viola.

 

 Disguise and Identity

The fact that Olivia falls in love with Viola in disguise highlights themes of identity and deception in the play. Olivia's feelings are directed towards Cesario, unaware of Viola’s true identity as a woman. This adds a layer of irony and complexity to the romantic entanglements in the play, as Olivia's affection is based on a misunderstanding.

 

 Active Pursuit

Olivia’s pursuit of Cesario (Viola) is proactive and assertive. She defies societal norms and her own previous resolutions by pursuing Cesario with determination. This marks a shift from her passive role as a mourner to an active participant in her own romantic destiny.

 

 Resolution and Transformation

In the end, Olivia's character arc resolves with the revelation of Viola’s true identity. Olivia’s willingness to accept and marry Viola, despite the initial deception, demonstrates her adaptability and openness to love. Her character’s transformation from a grieving countess to a joyful bride reflects her personal growth and the play’s themes of love and reconciliation.

 

 Conclusion

Olivia’s character in Twelfth Night is multi-dimensional, marked by her social status, personal grief, and eventual romantic pursuit. Her journey from mourning to love highlights Shakespeare’s exploration of identity, love, and societal expectations, making her a central figure in the play’s comedic and thematic structure.

 

Sebastian – Viola's twin brother, who is separated from her in a shipwreck.

Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, is a crucial but somewhat enigmatic character. Here’s a breakdown of his role and characteristics:

 

 Character Overview

 

1. Background and Separation: Sebastian and Viola are shipwrecked at the start of the play. They are separated during the storm, which sets the stage for the ensuing comedic confusion. While Viola survives and ends up in Illyria, Sebastian is presumed dead but has actually been rescued by Antonio.

 

2. Appearance and Identity: Sebastian’s appearance plays a significant role in the comedic confusion of the play. His resemblance to Viola, who is disguised as Cesario, leads to mistaken identities and misunderstandings. This subplot is central to the play's humor and eventual resolution.

 

3. Personality Traits:

   - Bravery: Sebastian demonstrates bravery and resilience throughout the play. His willingness to fight, even against multiple adversaries, showcases his courage and fighting spirit.

   - Trust and Loyalty: His trust in Antonio, who saves him and supports him throughout the play, highlights Sebastian’s own loyalty and his dependence on the kindness of others. Despite being in a foreign land, he is willing to trust and befriend Antonio.

   - Adaptability: Upon arriving in Illyria, Sebastian quickly adapts to his new surroundings. He takes advantage of the opportunities presented to him, such as accepting Olivia's advances.

 

4. Role in the Plot:

   - Mistaken Identity: The subplot involving mistaken identity reaches its climax when Sebastian arrives in Illyria, leading to several comic situations where characters confuse him with his sister, who is in disguise. This confusion ultimately contributes to the resolution of various conflicts in the play.

   - Resolution: Sebastian’s arrival leads to the resolution of the play’s central conflicts. His marriage to Olivia resolves the romantic entanglements and misunderstandings that have plagued the other characters.

 

5. Relationships:

   - Viola: The reunion with Viola is a key emotional moment in the play. Their relationship underscores themes of family bonds and the emotional impact of separation and reunion.

   - Olivia: Sebastian's interaction with Olivia leads to a swift and unexpected marriage, demonstrating his adaptability and the play's comedic elements.

   - Antonio: His relationship with Antonio adds depth to his character, showing his ability to form close bonds and trust others, even in unfamiliar situations.

 

 Significance

 

Sebastian’s role is pivotal in resolving the play’s various plotlines. His presence brings about the necessary clarity to resolve mistaken identities and romantic entanglements, ultimately leading to a harmonious conclusion. His character contrasts with Viola’s, highlighting themes of identity, family, and resolution within the comedic framework of Twelfth Night.

 

Malvolio – Olivia's steward who is tricked into believing Olivia loves him.

Malvolio is a central character in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and his role is both comedic and tragic. As Olivia’s steward, he is known for his puritanical demeanor and his obsession with social advancement. Here’s a closer look at his character:

 

 Character Traits:

1. Self-Important and Ambitious: Malvolio has a high opinion of himself and his social status. He aspires to rise above his current position and is disdainful of those he considers beneath him, including his fellow servants.

  

2. Puritanical and Priggish: He represents the repressive, moralistic view of society. His strict adherence to rules and disdain for frivolity contrast sharply with the play's themes of love and revelry.

 

3. Naïve and Gullible: Malvolio's vanity and ambition make him susceptible to deception. He is easily tricked by the forged letter, which he believes is from Olivia, leading him to behave in increasingly ridiculous ways.

 

 Role in the Plot:

- Target of the Prank: Malvolio is the victim of a practical joke orchestrated by Sir Toby Belch, Maria, and others. They forge a letter from Olivia, which suggests that she loves Malvolio and wants him to adopt certain behaviors, such as wearing yellow stockings and cross-gartering.

 

- Humiliated and Imprisoned: His compliance with the absurd instructions and his subsequent behavior, which seems strange and uncharacteristic, leads to his being perceived as mad. He is locked in a dark room and treated as a madman, which highlights the cruelty of the prank.

 

 Themes Related to Malvolio:

- The Folly of Self-Love and Ambition: Malvolio's downfall is largely due to his excessive pride and ambition. His belief in his own importance makes him an easy target for ridicule.

 

- Class and Social Satire: Malvolio’s desire to climb the social ladder and his disdain for the lower classes are satirized through the play’s comedic treatment of his character.

 

- Revenge and Forgiveness: While the prank on Malvolio is cruel, the play ultimately suggests a desire for reconciliation and forgiveness. Malvolio’s final lines express a desire for revenge, but the resolution of his story is left somewhat open-ended.

 

Malvolio’s character is a mix of comedic absurdity and poignant tragedy. His role serves to highlight the play’s exploration of social norms, the nature of love, and the consequences of pride and ambition.

 

Feste – Olivia's jester, known for his wit and song.

Feste is a fascinating character in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. As Olivia's jester, he serves multiple functions in the play:

 

1. Wisdom and Wit: Despite his role as a clown, Feste is one of the most perceptive characters in the play. His wit and wordplay often reveal deeper truths about the other characters and the situations they find themselves in. He provides insight into human nature and the complexities of love and identity.

 

2. Social Commentary: Feste often uses his songs and jests to comment on the social norms and behaviors of the time. His ability to move between different characters and situations allows him to critique the pretensions and follies of others without directly confronting them.

 

3. Role of the Fool: In Elizabethan times, the fool or jester was a character who, while ostensibly lowly, could speak truth to power under the guise of humor. Feste embodies this role by using his position to challenge and question the status quo, often in a playful and indirect manner.

 

4. Theme of Disguise and Deception: Feste is adept at disguises and plays roles within roles. His use of disguise reflects the play’s broader themes of mistaken identity and the fluidity of social roles. He even pretends to be Sir Topas, a curate, to mock Malvolio, demonstrating his skill in deception and his role in the play’s comedic elements.

 

5. Musical Talent: Feste’s songs and musical performances add a lyrical quality to the play. His music often underscores the play’s themes of love, melancholy, and the passage of time, providing emotional depth and resonance to the narrative.

 

Overall, Feste is a multifaceted character who blends humor with profound insights, making him a key player in the thematic and dramatic fabric of Twelfth Night.

 

Sir Toby Belch – Olivia’s uncle, a fun-loving and often drunk character.

Sir Toby Belch is a vibrant and comedic character in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Here’s an analysis of his role:

 

 Personality and Traits

 

1. Fun-Loving and Boisterous: Sir Toby embodies the spirit of revelry and enjoyment. He is known for his love of drinking, feasting, and generally indulging in pleasure. His name, "Belch," itself suggests a jovial and uncouth nature.

 

2. Disregard for Social Norms: He often flouts societal expectations and manners, indulging in excess and merrymaking without regard for propriety. This is evident in his constant drinking and his general disregard for Olivia’s wishes and the rules of her household.

 

3. Manipulative and Scheming: Sir Toby is not just a carefree spirit; he is also cunning and manipulative. He masterminds several schemes, including the plot to humiliate Malvolio, Olivia's steward. His schemes are often motivated by his desire for amusement and to maintain his own comfortable lifestyle.

 

4. Contrast with Malvolio: His character serves as a foil to Malvolio, who represents order, seriousness, and self-discipline. While Malvolio is rigid and self-righteous, Sir Toby is carefree and rebellious. Their interactions highlight the comedic elements of the play.

 

 Role in the Plot

 

1. Instigator of Comedy: Sir Toby’s antics and schemes contribute significantly to the play’s comedic elements. His manipulation of characters like Malvolio and his involvement in the subplot with Sir Andrew Aguecheek create humorous situations and add to the play’s lively atmosphere.

 

2. Relationship with Sir Andrew: Sir Toby exploits Sir Andrew Aguecheek’s gullibility for his own amusement. He encourages Sir Andrew to pursue Olivia and spend money, all while knowing that Sir Andrew is unlikely to succeed. This exploitation reflects Sir Toby’s lack of moral integrity and his focus on his own pleasure.

 

3. Conflict with Malvolio: The subplot involving Sir Toby, Malvolio, and the letter forged by Sir Toby and Maria is central to the play's humor. Malvolio’s self-love and ambition make him an easy target for Sir Toby’s schemes. The resulting situation—where Malvolio is made to believe he is mad—highlights Sir Toby’s cruelty and the play’s exploration of the theme of social hierarchy and self-importance.

 

 Conclusion

 

Sir Toby Belch is a complex character whose love for pleasure and disregard for social norms drive much of the play's comic action. His role as a schemer and instigator not only adds humor but also serves to explore themes of social order and personal ambition. Despite his flaws and manipulative behavior, Sir Toby’s exuberance and comedic antics make him a memorable and central figure in Twelfth Night.

 

Sir Andrew Aguecheek – A foolish suitor to Olivia, influenced by Sir Toby.

Sir Andrew Aguecheek is one of the most comedic characters in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. His role and characterization offer insight into themes of folly and gullibility, as well as the play's satirical examination of social pretensions.

 

 Character Analysis

 

1. Foolish Suitor:

   - Unwise Aspirations: Sir Andrew's desire to woo Olivia is driven more by his ambition to prove himself as a worthy suitor rather than genuine affection. His lack of self-awareness and understanding of Olivia’s true feelings make him a foolish character.

   - Lack of Depth: Unlike other suitors who have clear, compelling reasons for their affections, Sir Andrew's intentions are shallow and uninformed. His courtship is more a result of manipulation than genuine sentiment.

 

2. Influence of Sir Toby Belch:

   - Manipulated by Sir Toby: Sir Toby Belch exploits Sir Andrew’s naivety and desire for social acceptance. Sir Toby persuades Sir Andrew to remain in Olivia’s household and continue pursuing her, despite the futility of his efforts.

   - Companion to the Fool: Sir Toby uses Sir Andrew for his own amusement and personal gain, highlighting Sir Andrew’s role as a fool and his lack of discernment. This relationship underscores the theme of manipulation and deception in the play.

 

3. Comedic Function:

   - Comic Relief: Sir Andrew's bumbling nature and misguided confidence provide humor throughout the play. His ineptitude contrasts sharply with the more competent characters and situations, enhancing the play’s comedic elements.

   - Satirical Commentary: Through Sir Andrew, Shakespeare satirizes the pretensions of social climbing and the gullibility of those who seek status without merit. Sir Andrew’s character serves as a vehicle for critiquing the absurdities of social ambition.

 

4. Character Traits:

   - Gullibility: Sir Andrew’s lack of insight and readiness to believe Sir Toby’s schemes reflect his gullibility. His decisions are often driven by others' manipulations rather than his own judgment.

   - Lack of Self-Awareness: His failure to recognize his own shortcomings and the absurdity of his situation highlights his lack of self-awareness. He is oblivious to the fact that he is being used and laughed at.

 

 Conclusion

 

Sir Andrew Aguecheek is a quintessential example of Shakespeare’s use of comedic characters to explore themes of foolishness and deception. His role as a misguided suitor, easily manipulated by Sir Toby, underscores the play’s exploration of social pretensions and the nature of gullibility. Through his character, Shakespeare not only provides comic relief but also offers a satirical critique of the lengths to which individuals will go for social validation.

 

Maria – Olivia’s maid who helps in the plot against Malvolio.

Maria is a central character in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and her role as Olivia’s maid adds significant depth to the play's intricate plot. Here’s an analysis of her character:

 

 Role and Function in the Play

 

1. Catalyst for the Plot: Maria is instrumental in driving the plot forward. Her scheming nature is evident in the way she devises the plan to trick Malvolio. She is clever and resourceful, using her intelligence to manipulate others and achieve her goals.

 

2. Social Status: Despite her lower social standing as a maid, Maria demonstrates a sharp wit and strategic mind, which enables her to outmaneuver those of higher social rank. Her actions show that intelligence and cunning are not confined to the upper classes.

 

3. Relationship with Other Characters:

   - Malvolio: Maria’s relationship with Malvolio is antagonistic. She is scorned by him due to his snobbery and condescension. Her animosity toward him drives her to create an elaborate scheme to bring him down, which reflects both her personal grievances and her role in the household.

   - Olivia: Maria is loyal to Olivia and works closely with her. Her role in Olivia's household allows her to influence and assist in the play’s unfolding events, especially in orchestrating the comedic subplot against Malvolio.

 

4. Personality Traits:

   - Cunning and Intelligent: Maria is clever and strategic. Her ability to devise a scheme to trick Malvolio into believing Olivia is in love with him showcases her resourcefulness and wit.

   - Loyal and Devoted: Despite her scheming, Maria is loyal to Olivia. Her actions are driven by a desire to correct perceived wrongs and to entertain herself and her peers.

 

5. Comic Relief: Maria contributes to the play's comedic elements, particularly through her involvement in the plot against Malvolio. Her humor and wit add to the play’s light-hearted and mischievous tone.

 

 Significance in the Play

 

Maria's actions highlight themes of social hierarchy and class dynamics. Her success in manipulating Malvolio, despite her lower status, underscores the play's exploration of social mobility and the arbitrary nature of social distinctions.

 

Overall, Maria is a complex character who combines loyalty, intelligence, and a touch of malice. Her role in Twelfth Night enriches the play’s comedic structure and provides insight into Shakespeare’s portrayal of social and personal dynamics.