Twelfth Night · Character

Sir Andrew Aguecheek

A thin-haired, beef-eating knight with more money than sense, kept in Illyria by Sir Toby's flattery and a hopeless suit for Olivia he has no idea how to press.

supporting

Also known as Sir Andrew, Andrew, Sir Andrew O, Sir Andrew Marry, Sir Andrew Ay, Sir Andrew Good Mistress Accost, Sir Andrew Faith, Sir Andrew Plague, Sir Andrew Taurus, Andrew Aguecheek, Aguecheek

First appearance: Scene III

As a supporting figure in Twelfth Night, Sir Andrew Aguecheek is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Shows his foolishness and lack of wit, considers leaving but is convinced to stay.

In the storyScene IIIOpen this moment free

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Sir Andrew has come to woo Olivia and stays to drink, dance, and be fleeced by Sir Toby, who assures him 'there's life in't, man.' He can cut a caper, fence badly, and speak a little French he doesn't understand; he suspects his wit is dulled by too much beef. When Maria outwits him at their first meeting, he is 'put down' and considers riding home — but Toby's flattery keeps him. He is the play's most pitiable fool, and its most reliable source of secondhand embarrassment.

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See Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Scene III

Character Web

9 connections

A slice of how Sir Andrew Aguecheek sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Olivia's household conspirators
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

In this scene, the dramatic climax occurs when Duke Orsino, who has been obsessed with Olivia, unknowingly con…

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In the story

Sir Andrew Aguecheek appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene III
Shows his foolishness and lack of wit, considers leaving but is convinced to stay.
Scene III
Participates in the carousing, praises Feste's singing, and agrees to challenge Malvolio; is urged by Sir Toby to send for more money.
Scene V
Eagerly participates in the mockery, though he is slow to understand the riddle.
Act III, Scene I
Comically tries to imitate Viola's courtly language, revealing his foolishness and lack of wit.
Scene II
Jealous of Olivia's favor toward Cesario and is persuaded to write a challenge for a duel.
Scene I
Attacks Sebastian and is beaten; threatens legal action.
Scene I
Injured by Sebastian; complains of Cesario's attack.

Chapter companion notes

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See Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Scene III