Malvolio is a fictional character in which play written by William Shakespeare?

Malvolio is a fictional character in William Shakespeare's comedy "Twelfth Night", or "What You Will". His name means "ill will" in Italian, referencing his disagreeable nature. He is the vain, pompous, authoritarian steward of Olivia's household in the play.

"Twelfth Night", or "What You Will" is a romantic comedy written by Shakespeare. It is believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola (who is disguised as Cesario) falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with Countess Olivia. Upon meeting Viola, the wealthy Countess Olivia falls in love with her thinking she is a man.

The play expanded on the musical interludes and riotous disorder expected of the occasion, with plot elements drawn from the short story "Of Apollonius and Silla" by Barnabe Rich, based on a story by Matteo Bandello. The first recorded public performance was in February 1602, at Candlemas, the formal end of Christmastide in the year's calendar. The play was not published until 1623 with its inclusion in a collection of plays by Shakespeare, commonly referred to by modern scholars as the "First Folio".