Twelfth Night Acts 2-3

ACT 2:

Act 2 begins with Antonio and Sebastian, (Viola twin brother) Sebastian has recently survived a shipwreck at sea and is in a dire search to find out the whereabouts of his sister. He fears that she may have perished in the shipwreck. Antonio saved Sebastian from the shipwreck and vows to help him search for his missing sister, begin to travel to the Duke's residence.

Olivia shows no affection towards the Duke, Orsino. She begins to develop affection towards Cesario(Viola). Viola was given the ring by Malvolio, which belonged to Olivia. Viola has now realized that Olivia is coming on to Cesario. She has made things very complicated at the court. She may be in way over her head now, but she continues on to pose as Cesario.

Also later on in Act 2 we see, the beginning of the downfall of Malvolio's character. Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Feste are being rather noisy and are enjoying a late night drink. Maria comes in telling the men to be quiet, because Olivia is trying to sleep. Malvolio steps in trying to get the men to be quiet, instead makes Maria upset and decides to play a cruel prank on him. She writes a letter in Olivia's hand writing, professing her love to him. The three catch wind of Maria's plan. Malvolio receives the letter, which he must wear yellow stockings to show his love for Olivia. Malvolio is now madly in love with Olivia, he is totally unaware of the setup that he is in for.

Viola now has to decide whether she is in over head and decide to end this charade. She has a talk with Orsino where she position to reveal her identity, but backs down.

ACT 3:
We see the continuing saga between Cesario and Olivia. Viola tries to distant herself from Olivia when she says: (Viola)
By innocence I swear, and by my youth,
I have one heart, one bosom, and one truth,
And that no women has, nor never none
Shall mistress be of it save I alone.
And so adieu, good madam. Never more
Will I my master;s tears to you deplore.(1112)
Viola feels bad for Olivia's predicament, She isn't sure how shes going to come clean from this ordeal now. Olivia is still determined to win Cesario's heart no matter what.

Sir Andrew urged on by Sir Toby and Fabian to challenge Cesario to a duel in order for him to win the affection of Olivia. Now everyone seems on trying to win Olivia affection...
Now Antonio and Sebastian reach the city, Antonio is very paranoid, because he has enemies in the city. Antonio gives Sebastian his purse, and he heads into a inn.

Now, Malvolio is commencing his downfall when appears before Lady Olivia in yellow stockings and begins to profess his love for her. Olivia says she did not write a letter to him and has been told a lie. Malvolio is devastated by the current situation.

Viola is now forced into the challenged duel by Sir Andrew, Antonio is walking and notices Viola(Cesario) thinking that it is Sebastian, wants to fight in his behalf. Before the fighting could begin, Antonio is arrested and cries toward Viola to give him his purse thinking that its Sebastian. Viola is confused by this and refuses Antonio request as hes being dragged away. Antonio is shocked and now feels betrayed by Sebastian.

It's already leading towards a chaotic ending. The ending will effect many of the characters.