Keyword Guide · character-analysis
This guide breaks down the major and minor characters in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. It focuses on who each character is, what they represent, and why they matter for analysis, quizzes, and essays.
Prospero is the former Duke of Milan and the play’s central figure. He controls the island through knowledge and magic, driving the plot forward. Miranda, his daughter, represents innocence and moral clarity. Ariel, a spirit bound to Prospero, symbolizes freedom and obedience. Caliban, the island’s original inhabitant, represents colonization, resentment, and power struggles.
Alonso is the King of Naples, whose guilt shapes his journey. Ferdinand, his son, serves as a contrast to political corruption through his honesty and love for Miranda. Sebastian, Alonso’s brother, and Antonio, Prospero’s brother, both represent ambition and betrayal.
Gonzalo is a loyal counselor who represents optimism and moral reason. Trinculo, a jester, and Stephano, a drunken butler, provide comic relief while parodying political ambition. Their subplot mirrors the main power struggles in a lighter form.
Group characters by themes like power, freedom, and loyalty. Track how relationships change from the beginning to the end of the play. For essays, focus on contrasts such as Prospero vs. Antonio or Ariel vs. Caliban to show deeper understanding.
Prospero is generally considered the most important because his decisions and actions shape the plot and influence every other character.
Caliban can be read as both. Many interpretations view him as a victim of control, while others focus on his harmful actions and choices.
The play has a small cast compared to other Shakespeare works, with around a dozen named characters.
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