Deviations for String Octet

Sir Andrew Aguecheek is one of the main characters in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. His name denotes much of his character, the word "ague" is used in his surname and means ill, or sickly. He is, however, one of the, if not the funniest character in the entire play. He is much like Constable Goody in The Thin Blue Line, if you're familiar with British comedy.

Described as a "failed knight," this is exactly what he is. He has been born into the rank of gentleman, and, probably due to his friendship with the fat and lazy, but nonetheless clever, Sir Toby Belch, has at some point in time been knighted. He has vast sums of money which he spends on his friends to keep them his friends. Most people see him as a free meal ticket, and that is why they keep him around. He attempts to impress people by being witty, but over all simply copies Sir Toby.

He would like to consider himself educated, however unfortunately he provides a great many examples of how idiotic he is. In an age when French was a second language to most, he cannot speak more than a few words. At one point he mistakes the word "accost" for a greeting (or the maid's name depending on interpretation), and accidentally flirts with the maid. He would also like to think he can dance and duel, but, when faced with the possibility of either, proves himself to be the failure he is. He does, however, realise that people see him as stupid, but dismisses them as wrong.

He could be played as very camp, or as a "nice but dim" character. He gets himself into idiotic situations due to his gullibility, and, at the end of the play is left alone and friendless, he is the only person in the play who doesn't end up married, even though he had made his affections for Olivia very clear from the

Deviations

Aguecheek's Antics Op 98

Recording

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