The character Malvolio is an annoying square in Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night. He is the steward of Lady Olivia’s house and the other members of the household do not like him. Sir Toby, who is Olivia’s uncle, is a drunk and loves to laugh and party. Maria works in the house as well and likes Sir Toby. The two of them together decide to torment Malvolio and his party pooping ways. This household dynamic is like elementary school children who pick on the one who is a rule follower and tattle tale.
At one point, a few people in the house are up very late drinking and carrying on and Malvolio comes in to break up the party. He threatens to tell Lady Olivia on Maria if she gives them any more to drink. “Mistress Mary, if you prized my lady’s favor/ at anything more than contempt, you would not give/ means for this uncivil rule. She shall know of it, by/ this hand” (2.3.120-23). This is the classic example of a tattletale threatening other children. He is such as square that it makes him extremely nervous to be around or witness people drinking and disobeying house rules.
Because Malvoio threatens to ruin their fun, Maria, Sir Toby and Sir Andrews decide to pick on him and play a practical joke. They know that Malvolio loves Lady Olivia, so they decide to fake a note from her to him to make him believe that she loves him as well. When Malvolio receives the letter he is extremely excited and makes a fool of himself in order to receive Lady Olivia’s love. This makes one feel sorry for Malvolio. He is the little rule follower who no one likes and who is making a fool out of himself for nothing but his enemies’ enjoyment. He is the butt of everyone’s’ joke but he is not aware.
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