Who Olivia is
Olivia begins the play withdrawn into grief, determined to mourn her brother rather than welcome anyone seeking her love. Her household contains a very different spirit, with her uncle, Sir Toby Belch, drinking and joking late into the night.
Malvolio, her serious steward, tries to restrain the noise and disorder around him. Olivia stands between her own solemn mourning and a household full of mischief.
How Olivia changes
Duke Orsino sends Cesario to plead his case, but Olivia feels drawn to the messenger instead. She receives Cesario veiled, then finds herself moved by the visitor's graceful, forceful speech.
After Cesario leaves, Olivia sends a servant with a ring, pretending the messenger has left it behind. Her sudden attraction overturns her promise to reject suitors and draws her into the play's tangled love story.
Olivia and the others in the story
Olivia does not know that Cesario is Viola, a young woman serving Orsino in disguise. While Olivia loves the messenger, Viola loves the duke, who continues to pursue Olivia.
She is also unaware of the forged letter that encourages Malvolio to believe she loves him. These misunderstandings show how easily sincere feelings can rest on a mistaken understanding of another person.
Questions
Who is Olivia in Twelfth Night?
Olivia is a wealthy countess whose mourning gives way to an unexpected attraction to Cesario.
Why does Olivia reject Orsino?
Olivia refuses suitors because she has vowed to mourn her brother for seven years.
Does Olivia know Cesario is Viola?
No, Olivia falls for Cesario without knowing that the messenger is Viola disguised as a young man.