Sebastien | twelfth-night

Sebastien in Twelfth Night

Today, we are going to talk about Sebastien in the play Twelfth Night. Is he a likeable character? What led him to suddenly marry a maiden whom he knew nothing about?

In twelfth night Sebastien is depicted with many different characters. Today we are going to view his characteristics and see whether they present him as a good or person.

When Sebastein is first introduced in Twelfth Night, he gets washed up on another side of Illyria.His first moment of speech is when he inquires about his twin sister, Viola. He asks Antonio, a man banished from Duke Orsino's court, about her. Yet the reply does nothing to raise his spirits.

From this moment of the play, we can understand that Sebastien is loving and cares for his sister.

Continuing with Sebastien's story, we next meet him in Act 3 Scene 3 while he is looking for a place to stay. Despite the fact that he is homeless and has possibly lost his sister, he is grateful for everything he has still and is filled with hope. When he meets with Antonio again, he offers himself to Sebastien, but his offer is turned down abruptly. This is because he does not want to trouble Antonio even though he himself is facing difficulties. He says: 'My kind Antonio, I can no other answer make but thanks, And thanks, and ever thanks, and of good turns Are shuffled off with such uncurrent pay'.

He then accepts Antonio's wallet to spend on whatever he desires, agrees to meet Sebastien in the inn/hotel as Antonio is bent apon making sure that Sebastien is safe.

From this part in the play, we can tell that Sebastien is not willing to dissapoint anyone, and he knows his place, when he is losing the 'debate'. We can also tell that he is not very stubborn and can be reasoned with.

The next part is very complicated with a lot going on. Sir Andrew thinks that Viola is a ruffian and is challenging him, they fight and Sir Andrew gets beaten. Later Andrew thinks that Sebastien is Viola/Cesario and stikes him, Sebastien then strikes back.

This shows that he is capable of defending himself. Up till now, we only saw him with Antonio, not in a comlicated position, and he handles ii very well. He is smart, kind, brave and strong.

Next of all, Olivia stops this fight when Sir Toby gets involved in it. Sebastien and her talk a bit and he decides to marry her!

This brings out a dark side to Sebastien, he should not be this rash, as he barely knew her yet, just because he was surprised and found her very attractive.

It also shows that is capable of love, even if it is as abrupt as this.

The final important part that Sebastien plays is when all the main characters meet up and Sebastien and Viola meet up, to discover that they are both alive! They are over the moon, and marry the people of their choice. Finally Sebastien officially marries Olivia.

This doesn't tell us much about his character, but it proves that he is loving. Overall he is a very good character, but can be rash at times.

By Damilola Adegbesan and Anahita Manchala