The Tempest Characters
P
Prospero
Protagonist
Powerful
Controlling
Strategic
Vengeful
Prospero is a magician and the former Duke of Milan who was overthrown by his brother Antonio. He uses his magical abilities to control events on the island where he lives in exile. He orchestrates a series of events to reclaim his rightful place and ultimately seeks reconciliation with those who wronged him.
A
Ariel
Supporting
Obedient
Supernatural
Loyal
Eager for freedom
Ariel is a spirit who serves Prospero in exchange for being freed from imprisonment in a tree. He uses his supernatural powers to help Prospero execute his plans on the island.
M
Miranda
Supporting
Innocent
Compassionate
Naive
Loving
Miranda is Prospero's 15-year-old daughter who grew up on the island. She falls in love with Ferdinand, the son of King Alonso, and represents innocence and compassion throughout the play.
C
Caliban
Supporting
Resentful
Bitter
Oppressed
Defiant
Caliban is the native inhabitant of the island and the enslaved servant of Prospero. He deeply resents Prospero for taking control of the island, which he believes rightfully belongs to him.
A
Alonso
Supporting
Remorseful
Authoritative
Guilt-ridden
Grieving
Alonso is the King of Naples who helped Antonio overthrow Prospero. He is remorseful for his past actions and is consumed by grief, believing his son Ferdinand has drowned in the tempest.
G
Gonzalo
Supporting
Loyal
Optimistic
Kind-hearted
Trustworthy
Gonzalo is an advisor to King Alonso and a loyal old friend of Prospero. He helped Prospero and Miranda escape Milan and remains a voice of optimism and goodwill throughout the play.
A
Antonio
Antagonist
Power-hungry
Treacherous
Remorseless
Ambitious
Antonio is Prospero's brother and the current Duke of Milan, having usurped the title through betrayal. He is power-hungry and shows no remorse for betraying Prospero and seizing his rightful position.
F
Ferdinand
Supporting
Loyal
Brave
Devoted
Honourable
Ferdinand is the son of King Alonso and the heir to Naples. He falls in love with Miranda and proves his loyalty and worthiness through his actions on the island.
A
Adrian
Minor
Loyal
Obedient
Courtly
Adrian is a lord in King Alonso's court. He plays a minor role in the play but remains loyal to the king throughout.
B
Boatswain
Minor
Dutiful
Authoritative
Practical
Resilient
The Boatswain is the leader of the ship's crew and is responsible for the ship's safety during the tempest. He is a practical figure focused on the survival of the vessel and its passengers.
F
Francisco
Minor
Loyal
Supportive
Courtly
Francisco is a lord in King Alonso's court. Like Adrian, he plays a minor role and supports the king during the events of the play.
M
Mariners
Minor
Also known as: Sailors
Dutiful
Fearful
Hardworking
The Mariners are the sailors aboard Alonso's ship. They are seen during the tempest desperately trying to save the ship from the storm.
I
Iris
Symbolic
Celebratory
Supernatural
Ceremonial
Iris is one of the spirits who appears during Prospero's masque. She celebrates the engagement of Miranda and Ferdinand alongside the other spirits.
C
Ceres
Symbolic
Celebratory
Supernatural
Ceremonial
Ceres is one of the spirits who appears during Prospero's masque. She celebrates the engagement of Miranda and Ferdinand alongside the other spirits.
J
Juno
Symbolic
Celebratory
Supernatural
Ceremonial
Juno is one of the spirits who appears during Prospero's masque. She celebrates the engagement of Miranda and Ferdinand alongside the other spirits.
N
Nymphs
Symbolic
Celebratory
Supernatural
Ceremonial
The Nymphs are spirits who appear during Prospero's masque. They celebrate the engagement of Miranda and Ferdinand alongside the other spirits.
S
Sebastian
Minor
Treacherous
Ambitious
Opportunistic
Sebastian is Alonso's brother who plays a minor but scheming role in the play. He is associated with plotting and opportunism during the events on the island.
S
Shipmaster
Minor
Authoritative
Dutiful
Practical
The Shipmaster is the master of Alonso's ship. He plays a minor role during the tempest at the opening of the play.
S
Stephano
Minor
Drunken
Opportunistic
Comedic
Foolish
Stephano is the butler of King Alonso. He plays a comedic minor role on the island, becoming entangled with Caliban and Trinculo in a farcical subplot.
S
Sycorax
Minor
Malevolent
Powerful
Wicked
Absent
Sycorax is Caliban's mother and a witch who used magic in evil ways. Although she does not appear directly in the play, her legacy and past actions on the island are referenced throughout.
T
Trinculo
Minor
Comedic
Foolish
Opportunistic
Witty
Trinculo is King Alonso's jester. He plays a comedic minor role on the island, becoming involved in the farcical subplot alongside Stephano and Caliban.