Twelfth Night: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in Twelfth Night, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- OrsinoOrsino desires Olivia and calls for music to ease his restless feelings.First seen in scene 1
- OliviaOlivia refuses visitors while mourning her brother and intends to veil herself for seven summers.First seen in scene 1
- ValentineValentine reports Olivia's refusal to admit him and her plans to mourn her brother.First seen in scene 1
- CurioCurio suggests hunting while Orsino speaks of his desire for Olivia.First seen in scene 1
- ViolaViola survives a shipwreck and plans to conceal her identity to seek employment with Orsino.First seen in scene 2
- captainThe captain gives Viola hope by describing her brother's escape on a floating mast.First seen in scene 2
- MariaMaria challenges Sir Toby's drinking and mocks the suitor he brings to Olivia's house.First seen in scene 3
- Sir Toby BelchSir Toby Belch dismisses Maria's warnings about his drinking and encourages Sir Andrew's courtship.First seen in scene 3
- Sir Andrew AguecheekSir Andrew Aguecheek is Olivia's suitor, whom Maria considers foolish and Sir Toby encourages to stay.First seen in scene 3
- MalvolioMalvolio criticizes the Clown's wit and reports Olivia's persistent visitor.First seen in scene 5
- ClownThe Clown wins Olivia's attention by questioning her mourning and receives her defense against Malvolio.First seen in scene 5
- SebastianSebastian is Antonio's rescued companion, mourning the twin sister he believes drowned.First seen in scene 6
- AntonioAntonio rescues Sebastian and wishes to accompany him despite having enemies at Orsino's court.First seen in scene 6
- FabianFabian hides with Sir Toby and Sir Andrew to watch Malvolio discover Maria's letter.First seen in scene 10
- Scene 1
Orsino receives news that Olivia refuses visitors while mourning her brother, but continues to desire her.
- Scene 2
Viola survives a shipwreck, gains hope for her brother, and plans to seek Orsino's service under a concealed identity.
- Scene 3
Maria criticizes Sir Toby's drinking, while he persuades Sir Andrew to remain and pursue Olivia.
- Scene 4
Orsino sends Viola, known to him as Cesario, to plead with Olivia, while Viola privately wishes to marry him.
- Scene 5
Olivia rejects Orsino's appeal but feels drawn to his messenger and sends Malvolio after Viola with a ring.
- Scene 6
Sebastian leaves for Orsino's court, and Antonio decides to follow despite the danger from his enemies there.
- Scene 7
Viola recognizes Olivia's ring as an excuse to summon her back and realizes Olivia loves her disguised appearance.
- Scene 8
After Malvolio interrupts the revelers, Maria plans forged letters to make him believe Olivia loves him.
- Scene 9
Viola indirectly describes her feelings to Orsino, who sends her back to Olivia with a jewel.
- Scene 10
Malvolio finds Maria's forged letter and decides to follow its instructions, believing Olivia loves him.
- Scene 11
Olivia openly declares her love for Cesario, but Viola rejects her romantic hopes.
- Scene 12
Sir Toby and Fabian persuade Sir Andrew to challenge Orsino's servant, claiming courage could attract Olivia.
- Scene 13
Antonio explains his danger in town and gives Sebastian his purse before they arrange to meet at the Elephant.
- Scene 14
Antonio interrupts the threatened duel and is arrested, while his mistaken appeal gives Viola hope that Sebastian survives.
- Scene 15
Sebastian fights Sir Andrew and confronts Sir Toby before Olivia intervenes and welcomes him affectionately.
- Scene 16
The Clown impersonates a priest to torment the confined Malvolio, then promises him materials to write to Olivia.
- Scene 17
Olivia asks Sebastian to pledge faithfulness before a priest, and he agrees to accompany her to the chapel.
- Scene 18
Sebastian and Viola establish their relationship, Orsino offers Viola his love, and the plot against Malvolio comes to light.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- IllyriaIllyria is where Viola arrives after the shipwreck and learns that Orsino rules.First seen in scene 2
- Olivia’s houseOlivia's house is where Sir Toby brings Sir Andrew as her suitor.First seen in scene 3
- ElephantThe Elephant is where Antonio arranges meals and agrees to meet Sebastian.First seen in scene 13
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