The story begins in Illyria, where Duke Orsino pines for Lady Olivia, who is mourning her brother’s death and refuses his advances. Meanwhile, Viola, shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother Sebastian, disguises herself as a man named Cesario to serve Orsino. Viola quickly gains Orsino’s favor and is sent to woo Olivia on his behalf. However, Olivia falls for Cesario, unaware of Viola’s true identity. The subplot introduces Olivia’s household, where her uncle Sir Toby Belch schemes with Sir Andrew Aguecheek and the servant Maria, while mocking the puritanical steward Malvolio. As relationships and deceptions build, Viola struggles with her growing love for Orsino, setting the stage for romantic misunderstandings.
