Viola

A shipwrecked noblewoman who wins Illyria in disguise.

Orsino

The lovesick Duke of Illyria, constant only in his inconstancy.

Olivia

A wealthy countess besieged by suitors she cannot love.

Sebastian

Viola's twin brother, whose arrival untangles every knot.

Malvolio

A puritan steward undone by a forged love letter.

Sir Toby Belch

Olivia's riotous uncle, a knight of perpetual festivity.

Sir Andrew Aguecheek

Sir Toby's foolish companion and hapless rival for Olivia.

Maria

Olivia's clever waiting-woman, the letter plot's architect.

Feste

A wise fool whose songs and wordplay cut closest to the truth.

Antonio

A devoted sea captain who risks everything for Sebastian's sake.

Fabian

A servant of Olivia's household drawn into the plot against Malvolio.

Captain

The sea captain who rescues Viola and keeps her secret.

Curio & Valentine

Gentlemen attendant on Orsino, witnesses to the court's romantic obsessions.

Priest

The holy father who solemnises the secret marriage of Olivia and Sebastian.

Officers

Orsino's officers who arrest Antonio in the street and escort him to the final reckoning.