BELCH, SIR TOBY

the boisterous uncle of Olivia in William Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night. His alcohol-induced wit provides much of the humour for the play's subplot, the conspiracy-among Sir Toby, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and Olivia's lady-in-waiting, Maria-to turn Olivia against Malvolio, her pompous steward. The trio's rambunctious carryings-on as they maneuver Malvolio's dismissal provide memorable low comedy.