How Does Shakespeare Present The Character Of Viola

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One of the characters that rocks the boat from the onset is Viola, the story’s heroine. The survivor of a ship-wreck that separates her from Sebastian, her twin brother, Viola must dress as a man in order to insure her safety in the foreign land of Illyria. She takes the name "Cesario," and becomes a page in the court of Duke Orsino. The Duke is in love with a wealthy woman named Olivia, and sends “Cesario” to woo her for him; Unfortunately, Viola has fallen in love with the Duke. Viola assures him, “I'll do my best To woo your lady” but aside she says, “Yet a barful strife! Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife” (Act 1, Scene 4, 44-46). This connection between characters is only the beginning of a love triangle that is beginning to form.