Character Profile in 150 words - Shakespeare's Malvolio (Twelfth Night)

Shakespeare's Malvolio (Twelfth Night)
Illustration by Artist, Debra Hall

Shakespeare's Malvolio (Twelfth Night)

Malvolio is not a particularly complex character, but there are many layers to his personality.  This can lead to differing interpretations from directors and players.

Malvolio is not fazed by anyone. Even when Sir Toby suggests him as being to Olivia, no more than a steward 'Art any more than a steward?'(Act 2, Scene 3 line 106). Malvolio does not care. He is full of self-importance so he chooses to take the moral high ground every time and this makes him unpopular with others. An example is when he says he will let Sir Toby’s uncivil behaviour be known to Olivia ‘She shall know of it, by this hand’ (Act 2, Scene 3 line 115-116). He is happy to be the snitch. But should Malvolio be assessed more for the degree of comedy he injects? Act 3, Scene 4, Lines 1–79 contains the most amusing dialogue of the whole play. 

References

Shakespeare, W. (1994) Twelfth Night. Edited by R. Warren and S. Wells. Oxford: Oxford University Press.