# Sir Andrew Aguecheek — Twelfth Night character guide

> Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** 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:** 0004-act-i-scene-iii

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelfth_night_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii)

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

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelfth_night_se/chapters/act-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelfth_night_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-v)

Eagerly participates in the mockery, though he is slow to understand the riddle.

### [Act III, Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelfth_night_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-i)

Comically tries to imitate Viola's courtly language, revealing his foolishness and lack of wit.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelfth_night_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii)

Jealous of Olivia's favor toward Cesario and is persuaded to write a challenge for a duel.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelfth_night_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-i)

Attacks Sebastian and is beaten; threatens legal action.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelfth_night_se/chapters/act-v-scene-i)

Injured by Sebastian; complains of Cesario's attack.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelfth_night_se/characters/sir_andrew_aguecheek
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelfth_night_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelfth_night_se/characters