Summary
Summary of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
Highlights
The Setup and the Love Triangle
Following a shipwreck, Viola lands in Illyria and disguises herself as a man named Cesario to work for Duke Orsino. Orsino is in love with Lady Olivia, who is mourning her brother and rejecting all suitors. Orsino sends Cesario to woo Olivia on his behalf; however, Olivia falls in love with the disguised Viola, while Viola falls in love with Orsino, creating a messy love triangle.
The Plot Against Malvolio
In Olivia's household, the rowdy Sir Toby, Maria, and others play a cruel prank on the arrogant steward, Malvolio. They forge a letter from Olivia that tricks him into wearing yellow stockings and acting bizarrely, leading everyone to believe he has gone insane, for which he is subsequently imprisoned.
The Arrival of Sebastian and Resolution
Viola's twin brother, Sebastian, survives the shipwreck and arrives in Illyria, causing widespread confusion. Olivia mistakes Sebastian for Cesario and marries him, while others mistake him for his sister. Eventually, the siblings reunite, the truth is revealed, Orsino realizes his love for Viola, and the various couples marry, leaving the embittered Malvolio to depart in anger.