Orsino is in love with the Countess Olivia, who is in mourning for her brother and vowing to remain cloistered for seven years. Orsino sends Cesario/Viola to woo Olivia for him. Olivia's uncle, Sir Toby Belch, encourages another suitor to his niece - his old friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek. With their accomplices Maria, Fabian, and the clown Feste, Sir Toby and Sir Andrew threaten to disrupt the mournful quiet of Olivia's household. This outrages her steward Malvolio, who is determined to maintain order in Olivia's domain. Meanwhile, Viola's twin brother Sebastian, unaware that Viola is still alive, has been rescued by Antonio, a sea captain and outlaw in Illyria.