Not surprisingly, she does so, and provides us with the first of many instances of her wisdom, shrewdness and thoughtful nature -- "Conceal me what I am, and be my aid/ For such disguise as haply shall become/ The form of my intent. I’ll serve this duke" (Twelfth Night, 1.2.49-51).
Though seen as the answer to her problems, Viola's disguise soon becomes a source of dilemma. Though in love with her master, Orsino, she innocently becomes the object of affection [while disguised as Cesario] of Olivia, who happens to be the lady that the duke is madly in love with.
And thus, Viola is caught between a truth and a falsehood. How she handles the delicate situation is further proof of her good nature. Although she loves Orsino, she is willing to stay silent, fulfill her role as page, and be the messenger between the duke and the countess.
As for Olivia's love for Cesario, she is deceived as well. The connection she feels to Viola is that of a sister, but since Viola appears to be a young man, Olivia interprets her feelings as love. In truth, it is not.
Both having lost their brothers, the young women are alone, and Viola is thus able to understand the pain Olivia suffers. This is what connects them. But disguises conceal this truth until the end of the play when all is revealed.
Misinterpretation stands between Orsino and Viola, too. We see the duke falling in love with Viola, but he does not interpret it as love because all he sees is Cesario. Thus, he feels an incredible pull to Cesario, but as a brother. In truth, he feels love.
The dual nature of Viola/Cesario is captured perfectly by the resulting situations. As noted, Olivia and Orsino are both in love with Viola, but neither is truly aware of what the nature of that feeling is. Olivia loves her like a sister and Orsino like a true love, but both are convinced of the disguise. To both, Viola is Cesario.
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