In The Tempest, Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, lives on a remote island with his daughter, Miranda, after being overthrown by his brother, Antonio, and exiled. Prospero, a powerful magician, learns that a ship carrying his enemies, including Antonio and Alonso (the King of Naples), is nearby. He conjures a storm to wreck the ship and scatter its passengers across the island. Among them is Ferdinand, Alonso's son, who meets and falls in love with Miranda.

Throughout the play, Prospero manipulates events to serve his plans for revenge and justice. He controls the spirit Ariel, who helps him guide the shipwrecked nobles and punish his enemies. Meanwhile, Caliban, the island's native inhabitant, resents Prospero’s rule and plots to overthrow him with two drunken sailors, Stephano and Trinculo.

As Prospero witnesses Ferdinand and Miranda’s love deepen, he softens, eventually forgiving his brother and releasing his control over Ariel and Caliban. In the end, Prospero reveals his identity, restores order, and renounces his magical powers. The group returns to Italy, with Prospero reclaiming his dukedom, symbolizing reconciliation and new beginnings.

Prospero: The rightful Duke of Milan and a powerful magician. Exiled to an island, he orchestrates events to reclaim his title and seek justice while learning forgiveness.

Miranda: Prospero’s daughter, who has lived most of her life on the island. She falls in love with Ferdinand, symbolizing innocence and hope for reconciliation.

Ariel: A spirit bound to serve Prospero. Ariel assists in executing Prospero’s plans and desires freedom, symbolizing the theme of liberation.

Caliban: The island's native inhabitant and the son of the witch Sycorax. Resentful of Prospero’s rule, he represents the theme of colonization and servitude.

Ferdinand: The son of Alonso, King of Naples. Shipwrecked on the island, he falls in love with Miranda, marking a union of past and future.

Alonso: The King of Naples, who helped Antonio overthrow Prospero. He is remorseful for his actions and is ultimately forgiven by Prospero.

Antonio: Prospero’s treacherous brother, who usurped the dukedom of Milan. Despite his betrayal, Prospero forgives him in the end.

Sebastian: Alonso’s brother, who is easily influenced and conspires with Antonio to kill Alonso and take the throne.

Gonzalo: An honest old counselor who helped Prospero and Miranda survive after their exile. He represents loyalty and kindness.

Stephano: A drunken butler who joins Caliban’s plot to overthrow Prospero. His antics add humor to the play.

Trinculo: A jester and companion to Stephano. He is often a comic relief, participating in the absurdity of Caliban’s rebellion.

Sycorax: Caliban’s mother, a deceased witch who once ruled the island. Though she does not appear in the play, she is often referenced as a dark influence on the island.

"Full fathom five thy father lies; Of his bones are coral made; Those are pearls that were his eyes"

Ariel Act 1, Scene 2

Ariel sings this song to Ferdinand, suggesting his father drowned at sea—though it's part of Prospero’s illusion.

"My father's of a better nature, sir, Than he appears by speech:

Miranda Act 1, Scene 2

Miranda tries to convince Ferdinand that her father has a better character than he has sounded in the last few minutes.

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep"

Prospero Act 4, Scene 1

Prospero reflects on the ephemeral nature of life, showing his growing understanding and acceptance of human limits.

"O brave new world, That has such people in't !"

Miranda Act 5, Scene 1

Miranda expresses awe at seeing people from outside the island for the first time, highlighting her innocence and wonder.

"This thing of darkness I acknowledge mine"

Prospero Act 5, Scene 1

Prospero claims Caliban as part of his responsibility, acknowledging his role in Caliban's misdeeds and showing a sense of accountability.

"Now my charms are all o'erthrown, And what strength I have's mine own"

Prospero Epilogue

Prospero renounces his magic, asking for forgiveness and applause from the audience, symbolizing his readiness to return to human limitations.

Act 1: A violent storm (or "tempest") conjured by Prospero shipwrecks a vessel carrying Alonso, the King of Naples; his brother Sebastian; Prospero’s usurping brother, Antonio; and others. On the island, Prospero reveals to his daughter, Miranda, that he caused the storm to bring his enemies to the island. He recounts their exile, his betrayal by Antonio, and his studies in magic. Meanwhile, Ariel, Prospero’s spirit servant, reports on the storm’s success. Ferdinand, Alonso’s son, is separated from the group and meets Miranda. They quickly fall in love, though Prospero tests Ferdinand’s resolve.

Act 2: The shipwrecked nobles, led by Alonso and Gonzalo, wander the island. Antonio and Sebastian plot to kill Alonso and seize his throne, but Ariel foils their plan by awakening Gonzalo just in time. Elsewhere, Caliban, Prospero’s resentful servant, encounters Trinculo (a jester) and Stephano (a drunken butler). Caliban convinces them to help him overthrow Prospero in exchange for servitude.

Act 3: Ferdinand continues his courtship of Miranda under Prospero’s watchful eye, agreeing to labor for her love. Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo devise their plan to kill Prospero and seize control of the island. Meanwhile, Ariel appears as a harpy and chastises Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian for their past misdeeds, especially their betrayal of Prospero, intensifying their guilt and fear.

Act 4: Prospero, approving of Ferdinand and Miranda’s love, arranges a masque celebrating their union, featuring goddesses and spirits. The masque is interrupted when Prospero recalls Caliban’s plot against him. He dismisses the masque, reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and dreams. Prospero and Ariel then lay a trap for Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo, leading them astray with gaudy clothing.

Act 5: Prospero forgives his enemies, renouncing his magic and freeing Ariel from service. He reveals his identity to the shipwrecked nobles, and Alonso reunites with Ferdinand, now betrothed to Miranda. Prospero also forgives Antonio, though he doesn’t forget the betrayal. Caliban is left in peace, and Ariel is finally set free. In the Epilogue, Prospero addresses the audience, asking for applause as a gesture of forgiveness and freedom, signaling his return to Milan and his life as a mortal duke.