In what ways might Viola be said to be seen as the central character of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night?

Viola can easily be perceived to be the central character of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. She sets the plot in motion, being the first character to start stirring up action in the play, becoming the indispensable link between characters and is connected to every single one. Eventually, she aids the resolution of all the impediments of the story. Viola is also the most intelligent character, the only one without any obvious faults, unlike most of the …

…central character of the play. Not only does she open the complications of the story, appearing in most of the scenes, she is vital to the play's humorous dramatic irony. She creates a love triangle between Olivia, Orsino and herself, creating more drama and evocative scenes, whilst building bridges between all the characters in the play. Finally, Shakespeare has used Viola to portray perfection - complete with grace, intelligence and independence - his model woman.