Sebastian, Viola’s brother, has washed ashore with the sailor Antonio, who saved him in the shipwreck. Sebastian tells Antonio to leave him so that he can “bear my evils alone” (II.1.6). For unknown reasons, he had told Antonio that his name was Roderigo; he now confesses his real name and his noble parentage. Sebastian tells Antonio that he believes Viola, his sister, has drowned in the shipwreck, and describes her as being said to “much / resemble me” (II.1.24-25).

Antonio begs Sebastian to let him stay on and be Sebastian’s servant; Sebastian agrees and tells Antonio he is going to Count Orsino’s court. After Sebastian leaves, Antonio confesses that he has “many enemies in Count Orsino’s court” (II.1.44), but that he adores Sebastian so much that he will brave the danger and follow him anyway.

At Olivia’s estate, Malvolio gives Olivia’s ring to Cesario, and Viola realizes that Olivia is in love with her—as Cesario. She laments the love triangle she now finds herself in and asks what will happen: “O Time, thou must untangle this, not I./ It is too hard a knot for me t’ untie” (II.