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