Who Viola is
Viola reaches the coast of Illyria after a storm breaks apart the ship carrying her and her twin brother, Sebastian. She fears that Sebastian has drowned, though the captain who rescues her offers some hope that he survives.
What Viola wants
Alone in a strange country, Viola seeks protection and a way to support herself. She first hopes to serve Olivia, whose mourning for a brother echoes her own grief. When that path is closed, she takes the name Cesario and enters Duke Orsino's service.
Viola and the others in the story
Orsino soon trusts his new page with his secrets, while Viola quietly falls in love with him. He sends her to court Olivia on his behalf, making her speak for a love that pains her. Olivia instead falls for Cesario, leaving Viola caught between her own hidden feelings and the countess's mistaken desire.
Questions
Who is Cesario in Twelfth Night?
Cesario is the name Viola uses while disguised as a young man in Orsino's service.
Why does Viola disguise herself?
Viola disguises herself to seek safe employment and protection after the shipwreck leaves her alone in Illyria.
Who does Viola love?
Viola loves Duke Orsino, but her position as Cesario prevents her from telling him openly.