Character List

Plot overview:

Prospero, a sorcerer and the rightful Duke of Milan, lives on an enchanted isle with his daughter, Miranda. Twelve years earlier, the duke's brother, Antonio, and Alonso, the King of Naples, attempted to overthrow him and take over his position. Prospero and Miranda just barely escaped by boat, and they eventually found themselves marooned on the island. Prospero has two servants (who are also polar opposites); Ariel, a spirit who he freed from a tree with magic, and Caliban, son of the witch Sycorax. When magic reveals that a ship sailed by his old enemies is passing near the island, Prospero summons a storm to wreck their ship. The survivors make it to shore in scattered groups. Among these is Ferdinand, the son of Alonso. He is lulled to Prospero's home by the singing of Ariel; there he meets Miranda, who is instantly head over heels for the young prince.

Meanwhile, Antonio, Alonso, Sebastian, and Gonzalo wander the island in search of Ferdinand. Antonio now schemes with Sebastian to murder Alonso, but this plot is thwarted by Ariel. Meanwhile, Stephano and Trinculo (comic relief in the forms of a fool and drunk butler) encounter Caliban. After sharing a few drinks, Caliban tries to enlist the two in a plot to overthrow Prospero and rule the island himself. He even promises Miranda to Stephano. Ariel has been spying though and reports all these goings-on to Prospero. In the meantime, Miranda and Ferdinand have fallen hopelessly in love and promise to stay together forever.

As all this winds down, Prospero still isn't finished playing games Antonio and Alonso. He creates a magical banquet for the two men that vanishes whenever they try to eat. He also sends Ariel in the guise of a harpy to hound them for their crimes against Prospero. Later, at a masque to celebrate the upcoming marriage of Miranda and Ferdinand, Prospero remembers Caliban's plot and abruptly calls the revels to a halt. He sends Ariel to punish everyone involved in Caliban's little sheme by first luring them with some fancy clothes, then setting other island spirits on them in the shape of hunting dogs that chase them around the island.

Finally, Prospero confronts his brother and Alonso, revealing his true identity as the rightful Duke of Milan. He demands that Antonio restore his position; he also rebukes Sebastian for plotting against his own brother. To Alonso, he reveals Ferdinand alive and well, playing chess with Miranda. As a final act, Prospero abandons his magic and releases Ariel and Caliban from their servitude. From Ariel, Prospero asks for help with one last thing: calm seas and favorable winds for their trip back to Naples.

PROSPERO

The right Duke of Milan, he is usurped by his brother Antonio and narrowly escapes to a desert isle with his infant daughter with the help of Gonzalo. He orchestrates the shipwreck of Antonio's ship on the island and exacts his revenge over the course of the play. He is cunning and wise, very studious and has a vast knowledge and grasp of magic.

MIRANDA

(Female) Daughter to Prospero, she has grown up on the island and as a result is a headstrong, independent, compassionate woman who is capable of fighting off Caliban's unwanted advances. She has a close bond with her father that is tested when she falls in love with Ferdinand, who is stranded on the island.

ALONSO

The King of Naples. He aided Alonso in overthrowing Prospero, and after being shipwrecked is wracked by grief at the apparent loss of his son, Ferdinand. He spends much of the play bitterly regretting his actions years ago, to the extent that he does not notice the growing agitation of Sebastian and Antonio as they conspire to kill him.

SEBASTIAN

Alonso's brother and next in line for the throne of Naples. He is surly and jealous of his brother (therefore he gets along great with Antonio), and though he accompanies Alonso and Antonio in the guise of protecting the king, he longs to take the crown for himself.

ANTONIO

Prospero's brother, the usurping Duke of Milan, is the clear villain of the play. Having been shipwrecked for unfairly stealing Prospero's position, he wanders the island in the company of Alonso, Sebastian, and Gonzalo, showing his true evil nature as he encourages Sebastian to murder Alonso, with the goal of making an alliance with the new king after Alonso's death.

ARIEL

An airy spirit that was imprisoned in a tree by the witch Sycorax. He was freed by Prospero and serves him in return for his emancipation. Though he is a gentle soul, he can do powerful magic, appear and disappear at will, and is the one who caused the shipwreck at Prospero's command. His greatest wish is to be freed from servitude.

CALIBAN

(Male) A savage and deformed slave, Caliban was one of the two native inhabitants of the island before Prospero appeared (the other is Ariel). He is the crude, base son of the witch, Sycorax, and he unhappily serves Prospero, who regularly threatens him with curses and beatings. He can be sensitive as well, especially when describing the island, his home. When he meets Trinculo and Stephano, he seizes what he perceives as an opportunity to take back the island for himself.

FERDINAND

(Male) Son to the King of Naples, Alonso, was separated from his father and the rest of the royal court at sea. He lands alone on the island, unharmed, and quickly meets Miranda. He is honest and a little naive, and falls for Miranda instantly. His biggest hurdle is convincing Prospero to allow Miranda to marry him.

GONZALO

An honest old Counsellor to King Alonso, and an old friend of Prospero's. He initially helped Prospero escape death at Antonio's hands, and though he is old and growing more feeble, he is a positive and resilient man, though somewhat out of touch occasionally. He tries to do no harm and attempts to comfort the grieving Alonso.

ADRIAN, FRANCISCO, Lords

Members of the court who are stranded with Alonso on the island.

TRINCULO, a jester, and STEPHANO, a drunken butler

These two are members of Alonso's court and the two clowns in the play. Trinculo discovers Stephano on the island. They bumble around together, drunk and coarse, and use Caliban's knowledge of the island in a comical, fumbling attempt to kill Prospero and rule the island as their own. They make sport of Caliban regularly, and continue to give him drink to keep his allegiance.

Master of a Ship, Boatswain, Mariners

Present in the shipwreck, these are the sailors struggling to keep Alonso's ship afloat in the opening scene.

IRIS, CERES, JUNO, Nymphs, Reapers, presented by Spirits

Prospero uses his magic to summon spirit "actors", gifting a play within a play to Miranda and Ferdinand. The disappearance of the spirits prompts Prospero's famous speech, "we are such stuff as dreams are made on."

Other Spirits

Prospero, while a master of magic, uses his magic to command spirits and sprites around the island to create the chaos for him. They are responsible for the shipwreck and often toy with the stranded noblemen. They take part in songs and dances present throughout the play.