Twelfth Night, Act 1, Scene 3 summary
Act 1, Scene 3 of 18 · 6 min to read the scene
In Act 1, Scene 3, Maria challenges Sir Toby Belch about his drinking and mocks Sir Andrew Aguecheek, the suitor he brings to Olivia’s house. Andrew plans to leave, but Toby persuades him to stay another month by insisting that he still has a chance with Olivia.
What happens
- Maria warns Sir Toby that Olivia objects to his late nights and drinking, while he dismisses her concerns.
- Toby praises Sir Andrew’s wealth and accomplishments, but Maria calls Andrew foolish, wasteful, quarrelsome, and cowardly.
- Andrew arrives, mistakes an instruction for Maria’s name, and fails to understand her jokes about his hand.
- After Maria leaves, Andrew announces his departure because Olivia refuses visitors and the Count courts her.
- Toby claims Olivia rejects the Count and persuades Andrew to remain another month.
- The men discuss dancing, and Toby urges Andrew to demonstrate his leaps before they leave.
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In this scene
What to notice
Andrew reverses his decision to leave after Toby reassures him about Olivia. His brief declaration shows how readily Toby influences him.
Quick check
Why does Andrew agree to stay another month?
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