Characters In The Tempest The Tempest, a play written by William Shakespeare, tells the story of a ship that was wrecked onto an island during a magical storm, created by a man already living on the island. It is a magical tale of loyalty, betrayal, and forgiveness, and it is filled with all of the unique characters that you will be reading about. In the beginning, King Alonso of Naples, along with several others, were caught in a storm. As the ship sinks, they dive overboard, and are washed onto the island. But, Ferdinand, the king's son, was separated from the rest of the group. Meanwhile, watching from the shore, is the beautiful Miranda. She was distraught when she saw what had happened, and she went to her father, Prospero. Then, Prospero told her about how he used to be the Duke of Milan. However, because he loved books, more than he did being duke, his brother, Antonio, who had also been on the boat, had taken his dukedom, right out from under him. Prospero was forced to escape with with Miranda, when she was only three years old. A friend of Prospero's, Gonzalo, had helped them escape, and they had lived on the island ever since. All of the people Prospero had mentioned had been on the ship. Now, Prospero also had a spirit named Ariel. A witch, Sycorax, had imprisoned Ariel in a tree, because the spirit wasn't obedient in carrying out Sycorax's evil wishes. Luckily, Prospero had rescued Ariel, and from that day on, Ariel had been Prospero's servant. Later, Miranda and Prospero meet Ferdinand. He and Miranda instantly fall in love. So, Ferdinand went with them, and started working for Prospero. Now, back to the rest of the party that was on the ship. King Alonso, his brother Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, Adrian, and Francisco. They were tricked by Ariel and other spirits, several times, but, eventually, they met up with everyone else. In the end of the play, Prospero says that he will give up his magic, and go back to Milan to resume his proper position as Duke. Also, the father is reunited with his son, Miranda finds true love, and Prospero says that he will stop doing magic, and he will go back to Milan, to resume his proper position of Duke.
Prospero is the main character of this story. He is the rightful Duke of Milan, but he was usurped by Antonio, his brother. 12 years ago, he and his young daughter, Miranda, had had to escape in a boat to the island. On the island, Prospero had been refining his magical powers, with his spirit helper, Ariel. He also has another servant, Caliban. Prospero loved books very much. 'Prospero- Knowing I loved my books, he furnished me From mine own library with volumes that I prize above my dukedom.' (Act 1, Scene 2) Gonzalo, is a good friend of his, and he often refers to him as the 'good lord, Gonzalo'. Prospero is a strong character in this story, who's main goal was to lead those who wronged him, to repentance. 'We are such stuff as dreams are made on, our little life rounded with a sleep.' (Prospero, Act 4, Scene 1) Miranda is Prospero's daughter. She is only 15 years old, and she and Ferdinand got married, not long after they met. She had never seen any man, or woman, except for Caliban and her father. 'Miranda- I do not know One of my sex, no woman's face remember, Save, from my glass, my own. Nor have I seen More that I may call men than you, good friend, And my dear father.' (Act 3, Scene 1) So she was amazed when she first met everyone that had been aboard the ship. 'O, wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, that has such people in't!' (Miranda, Act 5, Scene 1) Because she has been closed off from the world for most of her life, her thoughts about people tend to be naive, and ignorant. But, all in all, Miranda is a loyal and passionate young woman.
Ariel, is Prospero's servant. Ariel is a genderless spirit, who was living on the island before Prospero arrived. Ariel used to work for the witch Sycorax, but the witch found the spirit 'too delicate, to earthy and abhorr'd commands.' (Prospero, Act 1, Scene 2). So she imprisoned the spirit in a cloven pine tree. Crying and groaning, Ariel stayed in the tree for several years, until Prospero came. We learn that Ariel is a very musical spirit, through the songs that the spirit sings throughout the course of the play. Come Out Unto These Yellow Sands, (Act 1, Scene 2), Full Fathom Five, (Act 1, Scene 2), While You Here Do Snoring Lie, (Act 2, Scene 1) and Where the Bee Sucks (Act 5, Scene 1), are the four melodies that Ariel sings. The spirit is usually accompanied by music whenever it makes it's appearances. At the end of the story, Prospero frees Ariel, so the spirit is no longer his servant. Caliban is the son of Sycorax, and Prospero's other servant. He is described, by Trinculo, as 'half a fish and half a monster' (Act 3, Scene 2). Caliban also believed that the island belonged to him, and Prospero took it from him. He despises Prospero, and hates being his servant. He even tried to abuse Miranda. 'Prospero- I have used thee, (Filth as thou art) with human care, and lodged thee In mine own cell, till thou didst seek to violate The honor of my child.' (Prospero, Act 1, Scene 2). Later in the story, Caliban goes off with Stefano and Trinculo, who get him drunk, and then Caliban begged Stefano to be his lord. 'I prithee, be my god.' (Caliban, Act 2, Scene 1). Caliban, then convinces Stefano and Trinculo to kill Prospero, promising that Stefano will be king of the island if he does. Sycorax, the mother of Caliban, is a witch that was exiled to the island several years before. Though she is not actually in the play, she is spoken of, mainly in Act 1, Scene 2. She is described, by Prospero as 'the foul witch Sycorax, who with age and envy has grown into a hoop.' (Act 1, Scene 2) She
was banished from Algiers, for 'mischiefs, manifolds and sorceries terrible terrible, to enter upon human hearing,' (Act 1, Scene 2). Sycorax was banished, and not killed, because she was pregnant at the time. She died a little while after giving birth to Caliban, leaving no one on the island besides him and her imprisoned servant. As mentioned earlier, Ariel was once Sycorax's servant. Ferdinand is the the prince of Naples, and the heir of his father, King Alonso. After he was separated from the rest of the group, he met up with Prospero and Miranda. He instantly fell in love with her, and promised to make her both his wife and a queen before he even knew her name. When Miranda asked if he loved her, he replied by saying 'I beyond all limit of what else I' the world, do love, prize, honor you'. (Act 3, Scene 1). At first, Prospero is rude to Ferdinand, because he is very protective about his daughter. He makes Ferdinand his servant, in place of Caliban, and that is where his love Ferdinand's love for Miranda deepens. 'Ferdinand- For several virtues Have I liked several women; never any With so soul, but some defect in her Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed me And put it to foil. But, you, O you, So perfect and so peerless, are created Of every creatures best!' (Act 3, Scene 1) The two of them then decide to get married, and later, Prospero calls some spirits together, to bless their marriage. At the end of the play, Ferdinand is found playing chess with Miranda. He is reunited with his father and he's with the love of his life. Alonso is the king of Naples and the father of Ferdinand. He is a gullible character, who is easily swayed. Sometimes by Gonzalo, to do good, and sometimes by Antonio's wicked ways. In the beginning of the play, Alonso feared that his son had drowned, so when they are reunited in the end, the king was
overjoyed. 'Alonso- Now all the blessings Of a good father compass thee about! Arise, and say how thou camest here.' (Act 5, Scene 1) He helped Antonio usurp Prospero, but, unlike Antonio, Alonso is quick to admit that he was wrong and ask for forgiveness. 'Alonso- Thy dukedom I resign and do entreat Thou pardon my wrongs.' (Act 5, Scene 1) Antonio is the brother of Prospero. Years ago, he seized Prospero's dukedom, and caused him to have to flee to the island. 'I remember you did supplant your brother, Prospero.' (Sebastian, Act 2, Scene 1). Antonio is a truly evil character, and even though Prospero tried to lead him to repentance, he refused to be forgiven, not believing that he had done anything wrong. He showed no remorse and seemed to have not learned anything throughout the entire play. At one point, everyone, except for Antonio and Sebastian, fall asleep, under an enchantment. Antonio convinced Sebastian to help him kill both Alonso and Gonzalo. 'Antonio- And when I rear my hand, do you the like, To fall it on Gonzalo.' (Act 2, Scene 1) However, their plans are foiled when Ariel awakens Gonzalo. Throughout the story, Antonio is usually make fun of someone, most times Gonzalo, or plotting some evil scheme. Sebastian is the brother of Alonso. He is a lot like Antonio, and the two of them are practically inseparable. He does what Antonio suggests that he do, including murdering his own brother, so that
Sebastian could be king. 'Antonio- My strong imagination sees a crown Dropping upon thy head.' (Act 2, Scene 1) Sebastian was already making promises to Antonio, for when he became king. 'Sebastian- Draw thy sword. One stroke Shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest, And I king shall love thee.' (Act 2, Scene 1) Sebastian and Antonio are, as I mentioned before, almost always together. When one speaks, so does the other. Although, most of the time, they only speak rude, insulting words about others. Gonzalo is a good friend of Prospero's. When Prospero had to escape, Gonzalo made sure that he and Miranda would have enough provisions to last them a while. 'Prospero- Some food we had and some fresh water that A noble Neopolitan, Gonzalo, Who out of his charity-- being then appointed Master of this design-- did give us, with Rich garments, linens, stuffs and nessesaries, Which since have steaded much; so, of his gentleness, Knowing I loved my books, he furnish'd me From my own library' Act 1, Scene 2) Gonzalo is very optimistic, and he tries to cheer up the king and every one else. 'Gonzalo- I' the commenwealth I would by contraries Execute all things; for no kind of traffic
Would I admit; no name of magistrate; Letters should not be know; riches, poverty, And use of service, none contract sucsession, Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard, none; No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil; No occupation, all men idle, all; And women too, but innocent and pure; No sovereignty;-- Sebastian- Yet he would be king on't.' (Act 2, Scene 1) Gonzalo always looks on the bright side, and tries to help the others to do so as well. 'Beseech you, sir, be merry. You have cause (so have we all) of joy, for our escape is much beyond our loss. (Act 2, Scene 1). Stephano is Alonso's butler, and Trinculo is his jester. When Trinculo find Caliban, he is laying on the ground underneath his cloak. Trinculo climbs under the cloak as well, because he thinks a storm is coming. 'Trinculo- Alas, the storm is coming again! My best way is to creep under his garberdine; there is no other shelter hereabouts.' (Act 2, Scene 2) Then Stefano shows up, and forces Caliban to drink from a bottle of wine that he had managed to save when the ship sank. Stefano decides to make himself king of the island, and he listens to Caliban when he suggests that they kill Prospero. 'Caliban- Why, as I told thee, 'tis a custom of him, I' th' afternoon to sleep. There thou mayst brain him Having first seized his books, or with a log
Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake, Or cut his wezard with thy knife. Remember First to possess his books; for without them He's but a sot, as am I, nor hath not One spirit to command. They all do hate him As rootedly as I. Burn but his books.' (Act 3, Scene 2) However, Stefano and Trinculo are easily distracted from their plans, when they see some of Prospero's fancy clothes. 'O king Stephano! O peer! O worthy Stephano! Look what a wardrobe here is for thee! (Trinculo, Act 4, Scene 1). In the last scene, they are mocked by Antonio and Sebastian for all of the foolish things that they had done. Adrian and Francisco are two of Alonso's lords. Adrian only speaks in Act 2, Scene 1, and Act 3, Scene 3. However, he is interrupted 3 of the 9 times he opens his mouth. Francisco doesn't speak much either. In Scene 2, Act 1, he is trying to console the king, by telling him that Ferdinand might not be dead, but to no avail. The Boatswain is the man who was in charge of the ship. In Act 1, Scene 1, he is trying to keep the boat afloat, but, as you already know, he was unsuccessful. The only other time that he is in the play, is in Act 5, Scene 1. There he recalled how after the shipwreck, he and the other mariners had fallen asleep, under an enchantment. Then, they had heard strange noises, which awakened them. When they saw their ship, unscathed and in one piece, they were overjoyed. Then, he said that in an instant, they had been separated, and brought there, as if it were a dream. Juno, Ceres, and Iris are 3 of Prospero's spirits. Juno is the goddess of all of the gods, Ceres is the goddess of agriculture, and Iris is the goddess of rainbows. Prospero called them together to bless the marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda. 'Iris- A contract of true love to celebrate,
And some donation freely to estate On the blest lovers.' (Act 4, Scene 1) 'Juno- Honour, riches, marriage-blessing, Long continuance, and increasing, Hourly joys be still upon you! Juno sings her blessings upon you.' (Act 4, Scene 1) However, the harmonious gathering was abruptly brought to an end by Prospero. William Shakespeare did a fabulous job when writing this play back in the 1600's. It was one of his last plays, and is classified as both a comedy, and a tragicomedy. I liked The Tempest because it is a wonderful story of betrayal, forgiveness, and loyalty. I wrote this essay because, I wanted you to know more about the unique characters that I enjoyed reading about in this magical tale.
Works Cited Page All quotes and cited works are from The Tempest by William Shakespeare --------------------------------------------------- Resources Speak The Speech Universal Shakespeare Broadcasting https://speak-the-speech.org/the-readings/the-tempest/ No Fear Shakespeare http://nfs.sparknotes.com/tempest/ Open Source Shakespeare https://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/views/plays/playmenu.php?workid=tempest