Malvolio’s Character and Malvolio as a Character

Write a 600-800 words on the following topic: Define as clearly as possible both Malvolio’s character (what he is like as a person) and Malvolio as a character (a dramatic role that contributes to the shape and meaning of Shakespeare’s play). In other words, consider Malvolio both as if he were a real person and as a fictional construct created by Shakespeare to serve a particular purpose in the dramatic world of Twelfth Night.

Read Charles Lamb’s “On the Character of Malvolio” and ask yourself some questions as you prepare to write.

1. What activities does Malvolio engage in?
2. What does he say about himself?
3. What do other characters say about him?
4. How do his activities relate to the activities of other characters in the play?
5. Does he develop as a character (that is, is he any different at the end of the play than he was at the beginning)?
6. Be sure to cite specific lines, scenes, and actions in the play that support your viewpoint.

Word Count: 600-700

No. of Pages: 3