Characters of The Tempest

The play’s protagonist, and father of Miranda. Twelve years before the events of the play, Prospero was the duke of Milan but his brother, Antonio, in concert with Alonso, king of Naples, usurped him, forcing him to flee in a boat with his daughter. The honest lord Gonzalo aided Prospero in his escape. Prospero has spent his twelve years on the island refining the magic that gives him the power he needs to punish and forgive his enemies.

Miranda is the daughter of Prospero. She has never seen any other men apart from her father and Caliban (although she dimly remembers being cared for by female servants). Miranda's perceptions of other people tend to be naive and non-judgemental as she has been away from the rest of the world for a long time. She is described as being compassionate, generous and loyal to her father.

Ariel is Prospero's spirit helper. Ariel is referred to being male in most criticisms, although his gender is ambiguous. He is mischevious, ubiquitous and able to travel the length of the island almost instantly. Ariel became Prospero's servant after Prospero rescued him from imprisonment at the hands of Sycorax, a witch.

Caliban, the son of the dead witch Sycorax and servant of Prospero, acquainted Prospero with the island when Prospero arrived. Caliban believes that the island rightfully belongs to him and has been stolen by Prospero.

Ferdinand is the son and heir of Alonso. He seems to be almost as pure and naive as Miranda, and falls in love with her at first sight.

Alonso is the King of Naples and father of Ferdinand. 12 years before the play is set he helped Antonio to unseat Prospero as Duke of Milan. Alonso is aware of the consequences his actions have caused, and regrets helping Antonio to usurp Prospero.

Antonio is Prospero's brother. He is power-hungry and foolish. In Act II, scene I he persuades Sebastian to kill Alonso, and then goes along with Sebastian's absurd story about having to fend off lions when Gonzalo catches Antonio and Sebastian with their swords drawn.

Sebastian is the brother of Alonso. He is both agressive and cowardly, and was easily persuaded to try and kill his own brother.

Gonzalo is an old, honest lord. He helped Prospero and Miranda flee to the island 12 years before The Tempest is set. His speeches provide an important commentary on the events of the play.

Trinculo (a jester) and Stephano (a drunken butler) are two minor characters that were also on the ship when it crashed. Their drunken boasting and petty greed reflect the quarrels and power struggles of the noblemen on the ship.

The Boatswain is a minor character who only appears in the first and last scene of The Tempest. He is good-natured and seems competent and almost cheerful in the shipwreck scene.

The Tempest Plot Summary