Shakespeare, William: 1564-1616

The Tempest, 1623 - Characters

  • Prospero - The rightful Duke of Milan, who was usurped by his brother Antonio and exiled to a remote island with his daughter Miranda. He is a powerful sorcerer who controls the spirits of the island, including Ariel.

    Miranda - Prospero's daughter, who has lived her entire life on the island. She falls in love with Ferdinand, the son of the King of Naples.

    Ariel - A powerful air spirit who serves Prospero as long as he promises to release her from bondage.

    Caliban - A deformed savage and native inhabitant of the island, who is the son of the witch Sycorax. He is enslaved by Prospero.

    Ferdinand - The son of the King of Naples, who is shipwrecked on the island and falls in love with Miranda.

    Alonso - The King of Naples, whose ship is caught in the tempest caused by Prospero.

    Antonio - Prospero's brother, who usurped him as the Duke of Milan.

    Sebastian - Alonso's brother, who conspires with Antonio against Alonso.

    Gonzalo - An honest old counselor.

    Trinculo and Stephano - A jester and a drunken butler who encounter Caliban and attempt to kill Prospero.

    The play also features various spirits like Iris, Ceres, Juno, Nymphs, and Reapers who perform a masque for Miranda and Ferdinand's engagement.

    There are also minor characters like the Master of the Ship and Mariners.

    Developed by AI

  • The character of Prospero. Lecture by Emma Smith: University of Oxford; November 11, 2011