Act I. Scene ii: Viola enquires about Illyria’s Duke and Countess
Act I. Scene iii: Sir Toby and Sir Andrew gossip with Maria.
In the Palace of Orsino, in Illyria, Duke Orsino pines away for Countess Olivia, but his servant Valentine reminds him that Olivia doesn't reciprocate his feelings.
Act I. Scene iv: Lord Valentine comments on Orsino’s adoration of Viola.
At the seacoast, Viola and the sea captain talk about Duke Orsino and his love for Lady Olivia. Viola decides that she would dress up like a young man and become the Duke's servant instead of Olivia's, as she would not see anyone.
Act I. Scene v: Olivia emerges from the chaos of her household to meet with Viola/Cesario.
At Olivia's house, Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek drunkenly tease and annoy Maria.
Act II. Scene i: Viola’s brother, Sebastian reveals himself and his intentions to sea-captain, Antonio
In a room in the Duke's palace, Lord Valentine notes that Cesario (Viola) has become Orsino's favourite, despite the fact that he (she) has only been there for three days.
In a room in Olivia's house, Cesario (Viola)begins to deliver the love speech that Orsino gave her, but Olivia refuses to hear the memorized speech.
Somewhere near the coast of Illyria, Sebastian (Viola's twin brother) reveals his true identity and the tale of his sister, who he assumes drowned in their shipwreck.