Although we are not made aware of Sir Andrew's family or connections, it is said that his annual income is 3,000 ducats,[1] a significant amount and roughly equal to that of a skilled craftsman of the period,[2] leading us to assume that he is a gentleman of some leisure.

[3] Sir Andrew fancies himself a great dancer and swordsman,[4][5] and the scenes where he ineptly engages in these activities are points of physical comedy in the play.

[9] Actors who have distinguished themselves in the role of Sir Andrew include Alec Guinness, Paul Scofield, Juan Garibay, Christopher Plummer and Richard E. Grant.

Grant excelled in Trevor Nunn's movie adaptation of Twelfth Night: dancing dreadfully in front of Mel Smith's Sir Toby, getting his sword caught in a branch of a tree and being kicked in the groin during his duel with "Cesario" (Imogen Stubbs).

[citation needed] When Maria (Imelda Staunton) tricks Malvolio (Nigel Hawthorne) into wearing yellow stockings, she reveals to her fellow conspirators that "'tis a colour [my lady Olivia] abhors".