Book Summary

Twelfth Night, or What You Will is a romantic comedy that centers on themes of love, mistaken identity, and the playful chaos of disguise.

Act 1 Shipwreck and Disguise

A shipwreck separates twin siblings Viola and Sebastian. Believing her brother to be dead, Viola disguises herself as a young man named Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino of Illyria. Orsino is in love with Lady Olivia, who refuses his advances because she is mourning her brothers death.

Orsino sends Cesario (Viola in disguise) to woo Olivia on his behalf. Ironically, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, unaware that “he” is actually a woman.

About the Author

Name: William Shakespeare
Born: April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Died: April 23, 1616
Occupation: Playwright, poet, actor
Also known as: “The Bard of Avon”

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and one of the most influential playwrights in the world. He wrote 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems. His works span comedies, tragedies, and histories, many of which are still performed and studied globally.