Prospero is the central character of this play. He is a powerful magician who was once the Duke of Milan. He was usurped by his brother, Antonio, and forced to flee Milan with his daughter on a barely sea-worthy raft. When the play begins, he has lived on the island with Miranda for twelve years. During that time he has learned magic and has become master of Caliban and Ariel.
He looks after his daughter and is protective of her. Even though he seems to have set up the meeting between Miranda and Ferdinand, Prospero still makes Ferdinand work hard to prove that he is worthy of Miranda’s love.
In the end Prospero is forgiving rather than vengeful. Although he makes it clear to Antonio and Alonso that what they did was wrong, ultimately Prospero is merciful.
Powerful – Prospero once held power in Milan and also rules over the inhabitants of the island, Caliban and Ariel.
Controlling – he uses threats of cruelty to control Caliban and is only kind to Ariel when the spirit does as he requests.
Forgiving – after frightening the ship’s passengers and his old enemies, Prospero actually forgives Alonso, Sebastian and Antonio for the treacherous behaviour of their past.
Prospero’s friends are:
Ariel – although the magical spirit argues with Prospero in Act 1, later Prospero takes his advice about becoming “tender” towards his enemies
Miranda – his daughter is his only human companion on the island for many years and he cares for her dearly
He is enemies with:
Antonio – Prospero’s brother betrayed him twelve years before the action of the play by sending him away on a barely sea-worthy boat
Throughout the play Prospero uses magic to show his power, but at the end he says he is giving his magic up.
Prospero frightens the men who betrayed him by wrecking their ship and later sending Ariel disguised as a harpy to remind them of their sins. However, at the end of the play he shows forgiveness to them all.
At first Prospero doubts Ferdinand’s sincerity when he pledges love for Miranda. Later in the play he seems proud to show Alonso that the two are united in their love.
How does Prospero justify causing the storm at the beginning of the play?
How does Prospero show his cruel side?
When does the audience see a more forgiving side to him?