Ferdinand is the son of the king of Naples. During the storm, he is separated from the rest of the king’s party. Once ashore, he meets Miranda and falls in love with her. Like Miranda, Ferdinand is honest and kind, a loving son, who will make a loving husband to […]
Read more Character Analysis FerdinandCharacter Analysis Miranda
Miranda is Prospero’s daughter. She was 3 years old when she and her father were exiled. Now, some 12 years later, she is beginning to blossom into a beautiful young woman. She is an innocent, having never seen another woman and having no knowledge of any other human being, except […]
Read more Character Analysis MirandaCharacter Analysis Caliban
Caliban is a product of nature, the offspring of the witch Sycorax and the devil. Prospero has made Caliban his servant or, more accurately, his slave. Throughout most of the play, Caliban is insolent and rebellious and is only controlled through the use of magic. Caliban claims the island as […]
Read more Character Analysis CalibanCharacter Analysis Ariel
Ariel is a spirit of the air who, because he refused to serve the witch, Sycorax, was imprisoned in a tree until rescued by Prospero. Ariel willingly carries out Prospero’s wishes because he is eager to be free. Although he wants his freedom in exchange, Ariel approaches his tasks with […]
Read more Character Analysis ArielCharacter Analysis Prospero
Prospero is the rightful duke of Milan. Twelve years earlier, he found refuge on this island after his younger brother, Antonio, seized Prospero’s title and property. Prospero functions as a god on the island, manipulating everyone within his reach. He is helpless against his enemies until they appear on a […]
Read more Character Analysis ProsperoSummary and Analysis Act V: Epilogue
Summary Prospero, who is now alone on stage, requests that the audience free him. He states that he has thrown away his magic and pardoned those who have injured him. Now he requires that the audience release him from the island, which has been his prison so that he might […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act V: EpilogueSummary and Analysis Act V: Scene 1
Summary This scene opens with Ariel revealing to Prospero that Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio are remorseful, worried, and desperate. Gonzalo is worried and grief-stricken at his king’s pain. Prospero reassures Ariel that he will be compassionate in dealing with his enemies and asks that Ariel bring the group to him. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act V: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 1
Summary Prospero, acknowledging that he has been harsh, now promises a reward that will rectify the young lovers’ momentary suffering. Recognizing Ferdinand and Miranda’s love for one another — they have passed the trials that Prospero has set before them — he offers Miranda to Ferdinand as his wife. Prospero […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 3
Summary The royal party has searched futilely for Ferdinand and collapses, exhausted upon the beach. Unknown to the royal party, Prospero arrives and watches their actions. Within a few moments, a number of ghostly shapes arrive and with them, a lavish banquet. After gesturing to the party that they should […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 3Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 2
Summary This scene returns to Stefano, Trinculo, and Caliban — all of whom are now very drunk. Caliban has a plan to kill Prospero and elicits help from his new friends. As Caliban explains that he is the rightful owner of the island, Ariel arrives and listens attentively. Caliban explains […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 2