and left him and his daughter Miranda to perish at sea However Prospero's magical abilities saved them and they ended up on a remote island He says I have with such provision in mine art Throughout the play we get the description of Prospero s magic Master of the Island Once on the island Prospero becomes its master He controls everything there from the weather to the spirits that inhabit it His magical powers make him almost god-like He uses them to manipulate the other characters and orchestrate events according to his will Prospero makes Ariel a slave by saving him from Sycorax's magic Prospero makes Caliban son of Sycorax an enslaved person as well Caliban says This island s mine by Sycorax my mother Which thou tak st from me This remark shows the usurpation tendency in the play Seeking Revenge Despite his magical prowess Prospero is not content to live peacefully on the island He meditates a deep desire for revenge against those who wronged him Antonio and Alonso He sees an opportunity to exact his revenge when Alonso's ship carries Antonio and other nobles The ship is shipwrecked on the island by Prospero's magic Ariel observes the duty given by Prospero Duality or Complexity of Character Prospero's character is not just about seeking revenge While he wants revenge he also feels guilt and remorse for his past actions His treatment of Caliban the island's native inhabitant is a prime example of this complexity On one hand Prospero enslaves Caliban and oppresses him On the other hand he acknowledges Caliban's humanity and wants to educate him Caliban says that he is taught by Prospero You taught me language However this learning is useless to him Redemption and Forgiveness As the play progresses Prospero transforms Through his interactions with the other characters particularly his daughter Miranda and Alonso's son Ferdinand Prospero learns the value of forgiveness and redemption He realizes that holding onto anger and resentment will not bring him peace This is why he forgives those who wronged him Prospero tells Ariel The rarer action is In virtue than in vengeance It refers to his forgiveness attitude The Final Act Prospero confronts his enemies and reveals his true identity in the play's final act He forgives Alonso and Antonio gives up his magical powers and prepares to return to Milan He manages the marriage between Miranda and Ferdinand This act of forgiveness and redemption is the climax of Prospero's character arc and the dramatic center of the play In conclusion Prospero's character is central to The Tempest not only because of his magical abilities but also because of his complexity and transformation throughout the play He embodies themes of revenge forgiveness and redemption These make him a compelling and memorable character As the play's dramatic center Prospero leaves a lasting legacy of forgiveness and reconciliation that resonates long after the final curtain falls