SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Twelfth Night (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options) characters

Appears from the start

The ruler of Illyria, absorbed in his love for the wealthy Countess Olivia despite her refusal to receive him. He sends messengers to press his courtship and enjoys cultivating an atmosphere of music and romantic longing.

Also known as Cesario

First appears in chapter 2

A young gentlewoman rescued after a shipwreck on the coast of Illyria. Believing her twin brother Sebastian drowned and needing protection in an unfamiliar country, she disguises herself as a young man called Cesario and seeks employment in Orsino's household.

First appears in chapter 2

A seaman who rescues Viola after the wreck. He explains the political and social situation in Illyria and agrees to help her assume a male disguise, keeping her identity secret while she enters Orsino's service.

First appears in chapter 3

Olivia's uncle, a convivial and disorderly resident of her household. He stays up drinking, resents restraint, and encourages Sir Andrew's courtship partly because Andrew's money supports their entertainment.

First appears in chapter 3

Olivia's practical waiting-gentlewoman. She trades sharp remarks with Sir Toby, criticizes his disruptive habits, and is comfortable enough in the household to challenge both servants and their social superiors.

First appears in chapter 3

A wealthy but foolish knight staying with Sir Toby in hopes of marrying Olivia. Easily flattered and discouraged, he boasts of accomplishments he cannot convincingly demonstrate and supplies money for Sir Toby's revels.

First appears in chapter 5

A wealthy countess mourning her dead brother and refusing Orsino's courtship. She intends to withdraw from society for years, though the arrival of Orsino's unusually eloquent new messenger soon unsettles that resolve.

First appears in chapter 5

Olivia's steward, a grave and self-important servant who disapproves of the late-night pleasures of Sir Toby and his companions. He values order and takes pride in his own dignity and judgment.

Also known as Clown

First appears in chapter 5

Olivia's licensed fool, a singer and quick verbal performer whose apparent nonsense often exposes the folly of people with higher status. He has been absent from the household and must talk his way back into Olivia's favor.

First appears in chapter 6

Viola's twin brother, who also survives the shipwreck but believes Viola has drowned. Grief-stricken yet determined to travel on through Illyria, he resembles his sister closely enough that her male disguise makes the two nearly indistinguishable to strangers.

First appears in chapter 6

A sea captain who rescues Sebastian and becomes devoted to him. Although he has dangerous enemies in Orsino's territory because of an earlier naval conflict, he is reluctant to let Sebastian face Illyria alone.

First appears in chapter 10

A gentleman serving Olivia who resents Malvolio for interfering with the household's amusements. He joins Sir Toby and Sir Andrew in hiding nearby while Malvolio discovers Maria's forged letter.