Who Malvolio is
Malvolio runs Olivia's household, where his stern manner clashes with Sir Toby Belch's drinking, singing and late nights. He scolds the noisy household and tells Sir Toby to stop drinking at night.
His seriousness sits beside vanity, and he imagines a future with more rank and authority. That mixture makes him a target for people who resent his scolding and want revenge.
What Malvolio wants
Malvolio secretly hopes to rise in the world, dreaming of becoming a count and ordering Sir Toby about. Maria knows this weakness and writes a letter that looks as though Olivia has written it.
The letter suggests that Olivia loves him and gives him strange instructions about dress and behaviour. Malvolio persuades himself to believe its promises, allowing his ambition to guide how he reads it.
Malvolio and the others in the story
Maria plans the deception, while Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Fabian hide nearby to watch Malvolio discover the letter. Olivia knows nothing of their plot, so his changed behaviour means something very different to her.
His story brings the household's merriment close to cruelty, because the joke feeds his pride while preparing to hurt him. He is vain and disapproving, but the people mocking him also reveal their own pettiness.
A best-known line
“Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.”
Questions
Who is Malvolio in Twelfth Night?
Malvolio is the steward who manages Olivia's household and objects to its noisy revelry.
What does Malvolio want?
He wants higher social standing and imagines himself as a count with authority over Sir Toby.
Why does Maria trick Malvolio?
Maria joins the revenge plot after Malvolio scolds the household for its noise. She exploits his ambition with a forged letter that appears to come from Olivia.