Character Analysis: Supporting Characters

The supporting characters in Twelfth Night are not mere background figures — they carry major themes, drive the subplot, and provide some of the play's most memorable moments. This lesson analyses Orsino, Malvolio, Sir Toby Belch, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Feste, Maria, and Sebastian.

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Character Relationships

                          ORSINO
                         /      \
                   loves/        \sends
                       /          \
                 VIOLA ----loves--> ORSINO
                (Cesario)
                       \
                  loved by\
                          \
                         OLIVIA ----marries---- SEBASTIAN
                           |                       |
                     household:                    |
                    /    |     \             devoted to
                   /     |      \                 |
              MARIA  MALVOLIO  FESTE          ANTONIO
                |
           tricks |
                v
            MALVOLIO
                ^
          mocked by |
               /    |    \
        SIR TOBY  FABIAN  SIR ANDREW
            |
       marries
            v
          MARIA

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Orsino — The Self-Indulgent Lover

Overview

Orsino is the Duke of Illyria and one of the play's most complex figures. He is consumed by love for Olivia — but Shakespeare presents his love as more about self-indulgence than genuine feeling.

Key Characteristics