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Why is Malvolio disliked by the characters in the play - Coggle Diagram
Why is Malvolio disliked by the characters in the play
Sir Toby Belch
While playing a prank on Malvolio, Sir Toby and the other characters involved in the scene incessantly mock him for his narcissistic nature. Sir Toby refers to Malvolio as a "niggardly sheep-biter" as well. This shows how meritless and annoying Mavolio is.
Sir Toby states that Malvolio is a buzz kill that doesn't approve of his drinking, partying, singing and marry-making. This accentuates Sir Toby's hatred toward him as he believes that he has no freedom to enjoy and live life free within the bounds of his niece's own estate.
"Art any more than a steward? Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and ale?"
Maria
Maria additionally insinuates that he is a "time-pleaser" depicting what an egoistic, arrogant, and narcissistic person he truly is. She goes on to say that Malvolio is an "affectioned ass that cons state without book and utters it by great swarths" revealing how he tries to act and speak nobly and proudly so that people think he is great. She also states that he thinks everyone fancies him due to the great attributes that he possesses, however, this is not true.
Her resentment toward Malvolio is also shown when she is willing to use his conceited nature against him and that she plans to write a love letter to trick him into thinking that Olivia is in love with him.
Maria believes that Malvolio is a "puritan", indicating that he is a goody two shoes that attempts to act over smart. She also metaphorically compares the form of a puritan he is to the devil when she says "the devil a puritan".
Fabian
Shakespeare doesn't tell the audience much about Fabian's relationship Malvolio although we do get to know that Malvolio went behind Fabian's back and ratted him out for bear-baiting on Olivia's estate grounds.
Sir Andrew Aguecheek
He criticises him for spending time with Sir Toby and doesn't allow both the them to enjoy their time in the estate. He keeps interrupting their merry-making, drinking and singing as well.
Malvolio mocks Sir Andrew due to his lacking intellectual abilities
Olivia
She indirectly tells Malvolio that there is no harm of being around a professional fool just the same way in which there is nothing but mockery in the presence of a "discreet man" (Malvolio) if he does "nothing but reporove", meaning that Malvolio does nothing but criticise those around even when they are enjoying.
Olivia believes that Malvolio is "sick with self love" depicting his vanity and conceited nature. This may indicate that Olivia may consider Malvolio a good worker although she may not particularly enjoy his company as he can't take a joke with a pinch of salt.
Feste
Feste, like Sir Toby, believes that Malvolio's "nose is no whipstock" indicating that he cannot keep his nose out of anything and thus everyone has to be on their best behaviour while residing within Olivia's estate.
Feste is a professional fool whose job is to be a comedian for Olivia's court, although, while making a joke regarding Malvolio's personality, Malvolio is seen to be extremely defensive and takes the joke too seriously. Although, this isn't explicitly stated it may be implied that Feste does not enjoy the company of Malvolio due to his vanity and self conscious attitude.
Shakespeare's depiction of Feste and Malvolio suggest that they are opposites in nature and as suggested by their names.