Twelfth Night

Duke Orsino languishes in lovesickness for Olivia. Viola, shipwrecked and believing her twin brother Sebastian dead, disguises herself as Cesario and enters Orsino's service. Olivia, mourning her brother, refuses Orsino's suit. When Cesario delivers Orsino's message, Olivia is captivated not by Orsino's words but by the messenger. Sir Toby Belch, Olivia's uncle, carouses with Sir Andrew Aguecheek, whom he encourages to continue his hopeless courtship of Olivia.

Sebastian is revealed to be alive, rescued by Antonio, a sea captain with enemies in Illyria. Malvolio delivers a ring to Cesario on Olivia's behalf, and Viola realizes Olivia has fallen for her disguise. Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, Maria, and Feste carouse late into the night, provoking Malvolio's censure. In revenge, Maria forges a letter in Olivia's hand that tricks Malvolio into believing Olivia loves him, instructing him to wear yellow stockings and smile constantly.

Olivia openly declares her love for Cesario, who tries to deflect her. Sir Andrew, jealous of Cesario's apparent success with Olivia, is manipulated by Sir Toby into challenging Cesario to a duel. Antonio gives Sebastian his purse and follows him into the city despite the danger. The duel between the terrified Cesario and the equally terrified Sir Andrew is interrupted by Antonio, who mistakes Cesario for Sebastian and intervenes, only to be arrested by Orsino's officers.

Sebastian is mistaken for Cesario by Sir Andrew, who attacks him and receives a beating in return. Olivia encounters Sebastian, believes he is Cesario, and invites him to her house, where she proposes marriage and Sebastian, bewildered but willing, accepts. Meanwhile, Feste visits the imprisoned Malvolio disguised as Sir Topas the curate, tormenting him by insisting he is mad. Malvolio begs for light, a pen, and paper to write to Olivia.

All characters converge before Olivia's house. Antonio is brought before Orsino and accuses Cesario of betrayal. Olivia arrives and claims Cesario as her husband, enraging Orsino. The priest confirms a marriage took place. When Sebastian appears, the twins are reunited and all identities are revealed. Orsino turns his love to Viola, Olivia accepts Sebastian, and Malvolio is released. His letter proves he was sane, and when told of the trick, he departs vowing revenge. Feste closes the play with a melancholy song.