Character guide

Viola

major

Also known as Cesario, Viola Orsino, good Cesario, Viola Ay, Viola Cesario, Viola Aside, Viola Madam, Viola Of Messaline, Master Cesario, dear Cesario

Shipwrecked twin who disguises herself as a man named Cesario and enters Duke Orsino's service.

Duke Orsino

major

Also known as Duke, Duke Ay, Duke Husband, Duke One, Duke Gracious Olivia, Duke O

Duke of Illyria who is in love with Olivia and employs Cesario as his messenger.

Olivia

major

Also known as fair Olivia, Olivia God, Olivia O, Olivia Ay, the Countess Olivia, Olivia Sir, Olivia Heaven, Olivia Prithee, Olivia Ha, Scene II Olivia, Scene IV Olivia, Olivia Alas, Olivia with Malvolio, the Lady Olivia

Wealthy countess mourning her brother, who falls in love with Cesario instead of Orsino.

Sir Toby Belch

supporting

Also known as Sir Toby, Toby, Enter Sir Toby, Sir Toby Sweet Sir Andrew, Sir Toby Sir, Sir Toby Bolts, Sir Toby Gentleman, Sir Toby Ay, good Sir Toby, Sir Toby Belch, Andrew Sir Toby Belch, Enter Sir Toby Belch, Exeunt Sir Toby, Sir Toby O knight, Sir Toby O, Sir Toby Reads, Sir Toby Fire, Sir Toby Fire and brimstone, Sir Toby Peace, Sir Toby Marry

Olivia's drunken uncle who plots against Malvolio and encourages Sir Andrew's courtship.

Maria

supporting

Also known as Maria Sir, Maria Sir Toby, Maria Sweet Sir Toby, Maria Ay, Maria O Lord, Maria Madam, Maria Ass, Maria Peace, Good Maria, Exit Maria, Mary, good Mistress Mary, Marian

Olivia's clever waiting-gentlewoman who devises the plot against Malvolio.

Sir Andrew Aguecheek

supporting

Also known as Sir Andrew, Andrew, Sir Andrew O, Sir Andrew Marry, Sir Andrew Ay, Sir Andrew Good Mistress Accost, Sir Andrew Faith, Sir Andrew Plague, Sir Andrew Taurus, Andrew Aguecheek, Aguecheek

Foolish knight who tries to woo Olivia and is manipulated by Sir Toby.

Malvolio

supporting

Also known as Count Malvolio, Malvolio Sir, Malvolio Madam, Enter Malvolio, Malvolio Fool, Malvolio Ay, Malvolio M, Malvolio M⁠—Malvolio, Malvolio Lady, Malvolio Mistress Mary, Monsieur Malvolio, Exit Malvolio, Yond gull Malvolio, Sir Topas, good Sir Topas, Topas, Malvolio the lunatic

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

Feste

supporting

Also known as Clown, Clown Good Sir Toby, Clown Sir Toby, Clown Master Malvolio, Clown Sings, Clown Ay, Clown Singing, Clown Troth, Clown The, Clown Fie, Clown Vent, Clown Marry, Clown Foolery, Clown Madman, Clown Good Master Fabian, Curio Feste

Olivia's witty fool who moves between households and delivers songs and truths.

Sebastian

supporting

Also known as Sebastian O good Antonio, Sebastian Antonio, Sebastian Madam

Viola's twin brother, believed drowned, who arrives in Illyria and causes confusion.

Antonio

supporting

Also known as Antonio One, Antonio Sebastian, Antonio Orsino, Enter Antonio

Sea captain who rescues Sebastian and follows him to Illyria despite danger.

Fabian

minor

Also known as Fabian Ay, Fabian O, Fabian Nay, Fabian Sowter, Fabian O good Sir Toby

Olivia's servant who joins in the plot against Malvolio.

Valentine

minor

Gentleman attending Duke Orsino, who delivers messages to Olivia.

Curio

minor

Also known as Curio The hart

Attendant to Duke Orsino who appears in early scenes.

Captain

minor

Sea captain who rescues Viola and helps her disguise herself.

Master Parson

minor

Priest who marries Sebastian and Olivia.