Shakespeare, William: 1564-1616

The Tempest, 1623 - Summary

  • Act I
    The play opens with a storm (the tempest) causing a shipwreck, orchestrated by Prospero, who has magical powers. The shipwrecked passengers include Alonso, the King of Naples, his son Ferdinand, his brother Sebastian, and Antonio, Prospero’s usurping brother. Prospero reveals to Miranda that he caused the storm using his magic, with the help of his servant spirit, Ariel.

    Act II
    On the island, the shipwrecked party is scattered. Alonso fears his son Ferdinand has drowned. Meanwhile, Sebastian and Antonio plot to kill Alonso so Sebastian can become king. Ariel intervenes to thwart their plans. In another part of the island, Trinculo, a jester, and Stephano, a drunken butler, meet Caliban, Prospero’s enslaved servant, who resents his master. Caliban convinces them to kill Prospero.

    Act III
    Ferdinand, who has survived the shipwreck, meets and falls in love with Miranda. Prospero tests Ferdinand’s love by making him perform laborious tasks. Elsewhere, Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano plan their attack on Prospero, but Ariel overhears and informs Prospero.

    Act IV
    Prospero gives his blessing to Ferdinand and Miranda’s marriage and entertains them with a magical masque performed by spirits. He then remembers the plot against his life and, with Ariel's help, foils Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano’s plan.

    Act V
    In the final act, Prospero decides to forgive his enemies. He reveals himself to the shipwrecked nobles, forgives Antonio and Sebastian, and renounces his magical powers. Alonso is reunited with Ferdinand, who he thought was dead, and agrees to the marriage between Ferdinand and Miranda. Caliban is forgiven, and Prospero promises to free Ariel. The play ends with Prospero asking the audience for their applause to set him free from the island.

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