Viola was sent to Olivia's home by Duke Orsino to plead his romantic case and attempt to win Olivia's affection.
The Duke's Commission
Duke Orsino, deeply enamored with Countess Olivia, found his advances consistently rejected. Olivia had vowed to mourn her brother for seven years and would not entertain any suitors during this period. Desperate to break through her resolve, Orsino enlisted Viola, who had disguised herself as a young man named Cesario, to act as his personal messenger. Viola's mission was to represent the Duke, eloquently express his profound love, and persuade Olivia to reconsider her stance and reciprocate his feelings.
Viola's Role and Disguise
As "Cesario," Viola was tasked with the delicate and challenging job of serving as the Duke's ambassador. This role required her to bypass Olivia's strict isolation and deliver Orsino's heartfelt messages directly. The Duke believed that a fresh face, particularly one with Cesario's apparent youth and charm, might succeed where his own direct pleas had failed.
Unintended Complications
Viola's disguise as Cesario, however, introduced unforeseen complications that shaped much of the play's plot. While fulfilling her duties for Duke Orsino, Olivia ironically fell deeply in love with Cesario, mistaking Viola for a man. This created a complex love triangle:
- Duke Orsino loves Olivia.
- Viola (as Cesario) loves Duke Orsino.
- Olivia loves Cesario (Viola in disguise).
Adding to the complexity, Olivia later encountered Sebastian, Viola's identical twin brother. Olivia mistook Sebastian for Viola (disguised as a man) and expressed her love for him, leading to further humorous and dramatic mix-ups before the true identities were revealed.
Key Players and Their Initial Objectives
To summarize the core dynamics at play:
| Character | Role | Objective Regarding Olivia |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Orsino | Unrequited Lover | To win Olivia's love and affection. |
| Viola | Messenger (Disguised as Cesario) | To plead Duke Orsino's case and win Olivia over for him. |
| Olivia | Countess | To mourn her brother and avoid all romantic advances. |
Ultimately, Viola was sent to Olivia's home as a strategic move by Duke Orsino, hoping that a new approach through a compelling messenger would finally open Olivia's heart.
