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Character Map
Character Map
Character list;
Prospero
The rightful Duke of Milan, though his kingdom and title were usurped by his brother Antonio. Prospero
was able to survive a plot on his life, and he and his daughter Miranda were set aboard a wrecked craft,
but managed to land safely on the island. Prospero is able to gain control of the spirits of the island, and
uses his vast knowledge and control over the spirits to direct acts of magic as he pleases. He is ruler of the
island, after taking control of it from its rightful heir, Caliban, and he makes sure that Alonso's ship
wrecks on the island, so he can get his revenge on his brothers for their wrongdoing.
Alonso, King of Naples
Was involved in a plot to overthrow Prospero, and gave Prospero's dukedom to Antonio. Has a son,
Ferdinand, who is also heir to the kingdom. Alonso may have been corrupt in his dealings with his
brothers, but he does not prove to be an evil-natured man; he is a flawed politician, but is a highly
regarded king and is not a villain.
Antonio
Usurped the dukedom of Milan from his brother Prospero, while Prospero was absorbed in study. Antonio
is probably the least scrupulous character in the play, and he is the originator of another plot to take the
throne from Alonso through more murdersthough this plot is engineered by Prospero, and made possible
by Ariel's magical powers. He is typically sarcastic and remote, and unrepentant of his crimes.
Miranda
Prospero's only daughter, and so young that she cannot remember anyone she knew before she came to
the island. She is intelligent and headstrong, having learned a lot from her father; but, when under Ariel's
enchantment, she follows her father's plan, and falls in love with Ferdinand willingly. She and Ferdinand
end up together, bound by their mutual infatuation.
Ferdinand
Alonso's son, and heir to the kingdom of Naples. Prospero arranges, through his magic, for Ferdinand to
fall in love with Prospero's daughter, Miranda; Prospero's plot to have Miranda and Ferdinand married is
his key to reclaiming his power in Italy. For the brief span of the play, Ferdinand is completely lovelorn
and presumed dead by his father because they are separated during the shipwreck; out of his infatuation
with Miranda, he agrees to become Prospero's servant for a span. Prospero finally declares him worthy,
and the engagement is at last approved by both Prospero and Alonso.