What is the importance of Malvolio in Shakespeares Twelfth Night?

Question

Im trying to get lots of different opinions on this subject.

Answer 1

The short answer is that Malvolio's presence is necessary to establish the play's essential sub-plot; that is, the scheme to make Malvolio believe that the Lady Olivia (whom he serves) is secretly in love with him. This scheme is engineered by Sir Toby Belch (Olivia's relative), Maria (another servant in Olivia's household), and Sir Andrew Aguecheek (another suitor for Olivia's affections). Their problem with Malvolio, basically, is that he's a party-pooper. He's the one who comes out and tells them to quiet down when they're up late drinking and carousing.

The subtler response is that Malvolio represents an ambitious and upwardly-moblie working class in the world of the play; a class that is, perhaps, threatening to bring down the privileged class (represented by Olivia and Orsino). Malvolio is horribly mistreated during the course of "12th Night" -- I've seen productions in which he arrives for his last scene bloodied and bruised! -- all so that the "noblility" can have a little laugh at his expense. If you look at him in this light, then his final words -- "I'll be revenged on the whole pack of you!" -- are pretty resonant.

Answer 2

Malvolio is significant in Twelfth Night because the sub-plot mainly revolves around Malvolio's deception. Without Malvolio's gullibility and pompous nature, i guess Sir Toby's gang would just end up drinking all throughout the play. Moreover, Malvolio is part of Olivia's household so he's of course,significant.

Answer 3

Malvolio is there to give light comic relief to the main plot. He is made to look a fool in front of Olivia, by the maid, Sir Anthony Aguecheek and Sir Toby Belch.
He is a gullable character and this is exploited to the full by the maid etc. Malvolio hears singing down in the kitchen and finds the maid etc drunk. He tells them to behave themselves as the lady of the house (Olivia) doesn't want to hear them.
The maid takes exception to this and plots to make Malvoilio a laughing stock in front of his mistress.