Jul 23, 2008

Twelfth Night | Sir Toby Belch (Character Analysis)

Sir Toby Belch is Olivia's uncle and a co-director of the play's subplots involving Aguecheek and Malvolio. (A subplot is a secondary or subordinate plot which often reflects on or complicates the major plot in a work of fiction such as a play.) Sir Toby embodies the riot of the Christmas season. He is drunk throughout the play and gives full vent to his whims and passions. In this sense, Uncle Toby is a positive character who is placed in opposition to the grumpy Malvolio.

Believing that "care's an enemy to life," Toby indulges in food, drink, and song, and hopes to do so as long as...