Summary of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

Twelfth Night is a comedic twist on the age-old love triangle plot, bending the gender roles and rules, and eventually ending in two happy marriages and a surprising disguise.

Twelfth Night

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Twelfth Night Summary

Shipwrecked on the island of Illyria, Viola believes she is alone because her twin brother Sebastian likely drowned. She disguises herself as a man and calls herself Cesario, and begins to serve in the Duke Orsino’s court, where she ends up falling in love with the Duke. The Duke is in love with a woman named Olivia who has recently lost her brother and her father. She refuses to marry anyone for seven years. The Duke sends Cesario as an envoy to Olivia on his behalf, but Olivia ends up falling in love with Cesario.

Meanwhile, members of Olivia’s court conspire to make her obnoxious steward Malvolio think that Olivia has fallen in love with him. They deliver a letter in her handwriting telling him to act and dress strangely to prove his love for her. Olivia is appalled by his behavior, and Malvolio is locked up by the conspirators and mercilessly mocked. They do allow him to write a letter to Olivia asking to be released from his prison.

Sebastian arrives at the court, alive after all. Olivia asks him to marry her, thinking that he is “Cesario.” Sebastian agrees, and they are married. Cesario and Orsino go to visit Olivia, and Olivia greets Cesario, thinking she is the Cesario she just married. Sebastian arrives, and Viola reveals her true identity. Orsino comes to realize that he’s in love with Viola and the couples are happy with the outcome. Malvolio is released from his prison and swears revenge on his tormentors.

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Date Published: 1601

Genre: Comedy

Major Themes: Love; deception; disorder; gender roles

Famous Quote: “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”

Twelfth Night Main Characters

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Check out all of our Shakespeare Resources

• Types of Shakespeare Plays
• Romeo and Juliet
• Macbeth
• Hamlet
• Othello
• Julius Caesar
• Richard III
• King Lear
• The Tempest
• Twelfth Night
• Sonnet 73
• A Midsummer Night's Dream
• Picture Encyclopedia of Shakespeare Plays

Frequently Asked Questions about Summary of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

What is 'Twelfth Night' about?

Twelfth Night is a comedy play by William Shakespeare that explores themes of mistaken identity, love, and festive celebration. The story follows Viola, who is shipwrecked and disguises herself as a man, leading to a series of humorous and romantic misunderstandings.

Who are the main characters in Twelfth Night?

The main characters include Viola, Orsino, Olivia, Malvolio, Sir Toby Belch, and Feste. Each character plays a unique role in driving the plot and the comedic elements of the play.

Why is Twelfth Night a good play for students to study?

Twelfth Night is ideal for students because it introduces themes like identity, gender roles, and humor in an accessible way. Its engaging plot and vivid characters make it a popular choice for classroom discussions and creative projects.

How can teachers use storyboards to teach Twelfth Night?

Teachers can use storyboards to help students visualize key scenes, analyze character motivations, and summarize plot points. Storyboarding encourages creative thinking and helps students better understand Shakespeare's language and themes.

What are some key themes in Twelfth Night?

Major themes in Twelfth Night include love, mistaken identity, festivity, and gender disguise. These themes offer rich opportunities for classroom discussion and analysis.