Editor's Choice
What are the roles and affiliations of the main characters in The Tempest?
Prospero
Miranda
Ferdinand
Ariel
Caliban
Alonso
Antonio
Sebastian
Gonzalo
Stephano
Trinculo
Adrian + Francisco
Boatswain
Iris, Ceres, Juno, Nymphs, and Reapers
Quick answer:
Prospero is the deposed Duke of Milan, now a powerful magician on the island, and father to Miranda. Miranda is his compassionate daughter who falls in love with Ferdinand, Alonso's son. Ferdinand is a prince and heir to the throne of Naples. Ariel is a spirit servant bound to Prospero, while Caliban, the island's native, is also his resentful servant. Alonso is the king of Naples, and Antonio, Prospero's usurping brother, plots with Sebastian, Alonso's brother, to seize power. Gonzalo is a loyal advisor to Alonso and aided Prospero's survival. Stephano and Trinculo are comic characters plotting to rule the island. Adrian and Francisco are minor courtiers, while the Boatswain manages the ship. Iris, Ceres, Juno, Nymphs, and Reapers are spirits involved in Prospero's magic.
Boatswain: He is in charge of running the ship during the violent storm. He had a conflict with Sebastian and Antonio, Alonso's royal subjects who were rude to him.
Gonzalo: He is a trusted and honest advisor to Alonso, who is the king of Naples. He is optimistic and kind, and he is Prospero's and Miranda's benefactor; he supplied them with food, water, and other supplies when they were exiled.
Trinculo: He is Alonso's jester and is happy to have Caliban's respect. He plans to help Stephano become the king of the island.
Stephano: He is a drunken butler who plots with Trinculo and Caliban to marry Miranda, Prospero's daughter, and to become king of the island.
Caliban: He is Prospero's servant. He is the island's only native and has entered into a contract to serve Prospero. He is often regarded as a monster.
Ariel: He is a spirit that is bound by a contract to serve Prospero, who rescued him from the tree in which the witch Sycorax had imprisoned him.
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