Orsino (Twelfth Night)

Orsino
Creator	William Shakespeare

Duke Orsino is a fictional character from the play Twelfth Night.

Character

Orsino is the ruler of Illyria. In the play, he is sometimes referred to as a duke, and at other times as a count. At the beginning of the play, Orsino is in love with Olivia, but his love is unrequited, and Olivia, mourning for the death of both her father and her brother, refuses to admit any suitors.

Viola, a young noblewoman who just survived a shipwreck, disguises herself as a boy and works as Orsino's page named Cesario. Soon, Orsino develops a friendship with Cesario that transcends the master-servant relationship.

When Orsino sends Cesario to woo Olivia, the lady falls in love with this supposed young man. Meanwhile, Viola has secretly fallen in love with Orsino. This love triangle builds the main story of the play.

When Viola's twin brother Sebastian, who she thought had perished, suddenly reappears, her identity is revealed. Orsino, discovering that Olivia has just married Sebastian, resolves to marry Viola instead.

Sources

• Guide to Twelfth Night
• Analysis of Major Characters in Twelfth Night
• Summary of Twelfth Night and Characters