“The Tempest”Swansboro High School

English 12

BackgroundPossibly the island for the setting may be IrelandPlay deals with the concept of settlement & home ruleAlso, many of the mystic creatures of the play have a Celtic origin

ProsperoMan of great power & influence on the islandRuler of all creaturesRightful Duke of MilanStranded on an island in the Adriatic seaHis brother, Antonio, stranded him thereLover of the arts & magicLearns to practice white / good magic while stranded there

MirandaProspero’s daughterHas lived with him in exile for 12 yearsAttractive, only 15 years oldHas only been around her father & not seen many men in her lifeAttracts young shipwrecked Ferdinand

ArielSprite trapped in a treeServes his master Prospero after he frees him, but now wants freedom from himHelps him perform magic on the islandAt the end of the play he is given freedom

CalibanGiant misshapen beastSavaged & deformed slaveHates his master ProsperoOnly works for him out of fear of Prospero’s magic

Shipwrecked PeopleAlonso – King of Naples

Supported Prospero’s brother, Antonio, when he took over Milan

FerdinandMuch loved son of AlonsoFall instantly in love with Miranda

SebastianBrother of AlonsoPlots to kill the king and take over his title with Antonio, Prospero’s brother

Others who have been shipwrecked

GonzaloCounselorProvided flood, clothing & book to comfort Prospero and the 3-year-old Miranda

StephanoA drunken butlerAttempts to kill Prospero & take the island for his own. Trinculo & Caliban help him – Caliban thinks he’s a god

Others who have been shipwrecked

TrinculoA jesterTries to kill Prospero

Master of a Ship, Boatswains, Mariners

Sailor who fight Prospero’s stormUltimately shipwrecked on his island