Endnotes

The original line was not in iambic pentameter. This is an attempt by editors to correct the meter by adding another iambic foot. —⁠S.E. Editor ↩

Companion

Previously

Act 5, Scene 1: Before Olivia's house, Antonio and Olivia mistake Viola for Sebastian, but the twins recognise each other when Sebastian arrives. Olivia discovers that she exchanged vows with Sebastian, and Orsino offers marriage to Viola, though her clothes remain with the imprisoned Captain. Malvolio is released and the forged letter exposed, but he leaves threatening revenge; Fabian reports Toby's marriage to Maria, and Feste closes the play with a song.

Who's who so far

Orsino After threatening Cesario in his jealousy of Olivia, he learns Viola's identity and offers to marry her once the remaining obstacles are settled.
Curio A lord attending the Duke, who asks whether he will go hunting.
Valentine The Duke's messenger, who has been refused entry to Olivia's house and brings back her handmaid's account of her mourning.
Viola Still in men's clothes, she recognises Sebastian through their shared family history, reveals her identity and reaffirms her love for Orsino, who offers her marriage.
The Captain Viola reports that he holds her woman's clothes and is imprisoned at Malvolio's suit, leaving his release to be arranged.
Sir Toby Belch He arrives injured after fighting Sebastian and insults Andrew when he offers help, while Fabian later reports that he has married Maria in recompense for her letter.
Maria Although absent from the scene, she is identified by Olivia as the writer of the forged letter and reported by Fabian to have married Sir Toby.
Sir Andrew Aguecheek Injured and still mistaking his attacker for Cesario, he blames Toby for setting him on and receives insults when he offers to help the wounded knight.
Feste He admits playing Sir Topas and recalls Malvolio's contempt for him as he speaks of revenge, then remains alone to end the play with a song.
Olivia She discovers that her vows bind her to Sebastian rather than Cesario, welcomes Viola as a sister and acknowledges that Malvolio has been abused.
Malvolio Released from confinement, he demands an explanation for his treatment, learns that the letter was forged and leaves threatening revenge on the whole company.
Sebastian He returns after exchanging vows with Olivia, greets Antonio with affection and recognises his sister Viola through their shared memories of their father.
Antonio Brought before Orsino under arrest, he defends his devotion to Sebastian and sees the twins together.
Fabian He confesses his and Toby's part in the plot against Malvolio, reports Toby's marriage to Maria and argues for laughter rather than revenge.
The Servant A servant who tells Olivia that Orsino's young messenger has returned and is waiting to see her.
First Officer An officer who recognises Antonio despite his missing sea-cap and insists on taking him away.
Second Officer An officer who arrests Antonio at Count Orsino's suit and repeatedly urges him to leave.
The Priest He confirms the ceremony of joined hands, kisses and exchanged rings that Olivia takes as proof of her bond with Cesario.

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