Character analysis

Analysis of character: Olivia

Olivia plays a large role in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Without the character of Olivia, there would be no secondary plot to the story. Olivia is a very wealthy countess whom has many servants working for her. Duke Orsino says “…her sweet perfections, with one self king.” (Shakespeare Ii). Many of Olivia’s servants think they are in love with her. In Twelfth Night, Orsino and Malvolio are in love with Olivia. Malvolio says “…if you prized my lady’s favor…” (Shakespeare II iii), referring to how much he loves Olivia as a person. Throughout the book, Malvolio will do many different things to get Olivia’s attention. Malvolio does things like wear long yellow stockings or being demanding towards the servants because he is told as a prank that those are things she likes.

Olivia seems to be oblivious about what her servants do around her house but not all of the time. When they are not working for her, they stay up late at night drinking with the other servants at the house. “My lady bade me tell you that, though she harbors you as her kinsmen, she’s nothing allied to your disorders. If you can separate yourself and your misdemeanors, you are welcome to the house; if not, and it would please you to take leave of her, she is very willing to bid you farewell.” (Shakespeare II iii).  Olivia is generous and forgiving, even though she knows that sometime her servants are loud and disrespectful, she still lets them stay in her home. Olivia’s many characteristics make her more appealing to the other characters in Twelfth Night.