Maria (Twelfth Night)
Maria is a fictional character in the play Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. She is a servant in Olivia's household.
Connections with other characters
- Maria is Olivia's lady and employee
- Sir Toby Belch is Maria's lover and eventual husband
- Malvolio is the steward in Olivia's household and therefore Maria's supervisor
Quotes
- By my troth, Sir Toby, you must come in earlier a' nights: Your cousin, my lady, takes great exceptions to your ill hours.
- Maria explaining to Sir Toby that her lady is not fond of her uncle's behaviour (Act 1, Scene 3).
- Nay, either tell me where thou hast been, or I will not open my lips so wide as a bristle may enter, in way of thy excuse. My lady will hang thee for thy absence.
- Maria scolding Feste for being absent from the household (Act 1, Scene 5).
- I can write very like my lady your niece: on a forgotten matter we can hardly make distinction of our hands.
- Maria conspiring with Sir Toby to write a letter that would fool Malvolio (Act 2, Scene 3).
- Go shake your ears!
- Get him to say his prayers, good Sir Toby, get him to pray.
- Maria egging on Sir Toby to annoy Malvolio.
Performers
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