Twelfth Night characters

Also known as Cesario

First appears in chapter 2

A young gentlewoman washed ashore in Illyria after a shipwreck. Believing her twin brother Sebastian has drowned and needing protection in an unfamiliar country, she disguises herself as a young man called Cesario and seeks service with Duke Orsino.

Also known as Duke Orsino

Appears from the start

The ruler of Illyria, absorbed in his unreturned love for the wealthy Countess Olivia. He welcomes the capable page Cesario into his household and soon trusts the newcomer to carry his appeals to Olivia.

First appears in chapter 6

A wealthy countess who has withdrawn from courtship while mourning her brother. She refuses Orsino's proposals and keeps a household that includes her uncle Sir Toby, her steward Malvolio, her attendant Maria, and the fool Feste.

First appears in chapter 4

Olivia's pleasure-loving uncle, who lives in her house, drinks late, and resents attempts to restrain him. He encourages Sir Andrew's hopeless courtship of Olivia, partly because the wealthy visitor helps pay for their entertainment.

First appears in chapter 4

A foolish, vain gentleman staying with Sir Toby in the hope of marrying Olivia. He has money but little confidence or judgment, and Sir Toby easily flatters him into remaining in Illyria.

First appears in chapter 4

Olivia's quick-witted attendant. She is loyal to her mistress but enjoys Sir Toby's noisy company and is prepared to answer Malvolio's self-importance with a practical joke.

First appears in chapter 7

Olivia's steward, severe about order and openly contemptuous of the revelry in her household. His dignity, ambition, and certainty that he deserves a higher station make him a natural enemy of Sir Toby and his companions.

Also known as Clown

First appears in chapter 7

The licensed fool in Olivia's household, a singer whose wordplay often exposes what the supposedly sensible characters refuse to see. Though Olivia initially faults him for being absent, he talks his way back into favor.

First appears in chapter 9

Viola's twin brother, separated from her during the shipwreck and likewise convinced that his sibling may be dead. He survives with the aid of Antonio and decides to make his way through Illyria.

First appears in chapter 9

A sea captain who rescues Sebastian and becomes deeply devoted to him. Although he has dangerous enemies in Illyria because of an earlier sea battle, he chooses to follow Sebastian there.

First appears in chapter 14

A member of Olivia's household who joins Sir Toby, Maria, and Feste in their campaign against Malvolio. He helps observe the steward's response to a carefully planted letter.

First appears in chapter 2

A sea captain who reaches shore with Viola after the wreck. He explains the state of Orsino's and Olivia's households and helps Viola adopt her disguise so she can enter Orsino's service.