The characters of Ariel in The Tempest, Horatio in Hamlet, and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream are similar in their helpful relationship to the protagonist or other important characters in their respective plays. Ariel aids Prospero, Horatio helps Hamlet, and Puck carries out Oberon’s wishes. Ariel and Puck are more similar in their association with magic and possibly subservient roles. Prospero is mortal but knows and performs magic, while Ariel is a sprite or nonhuman being that does magic on Prospero’s behalf. Puck is also a fairy, and he assists the king of the fairies. The magic spells and tricks they perform are not entirely benevolent but do not cause their victims serious harm. Both plays are also comedies and have a happy ending for most characters.

The character of Horatio and his relationship with Hamlet is somewhat different from the other two. Both characters are mortal, and Horatio is a loyal friend to Prince Hamlet. He is the only person in the hazardous, secretive court of Elsinore that Hamlet completely trusts. Because the play is a tragedy, many people die, including Hamlet. Although overcome with sorrow and tempted to take his own life as well, Horatio is persuaded by the dying Hamlet to stay alive, tell the story, and help restore peace and integrity in Denmark.