Character guide

Prospero

major

Also known as Prospero Well, Prospero Dull thing, Prospero Fairly, Prospero Mark

The rightful Duke of Milan, a powerful sorcerer who orchestrates events on the island.

Ariel

major

Also known as Exit Ariel, Reenter Ariel, Ariel Hark, Delicate Ariel, Ariel Ay

A spirit servant of Prospero, bound to carry out his magical commands.

Caliban

major

Also known as Setebos, Caliban O Setebos, Caliban Ay, the beast Caliban, Caliban The dropsy, Caliban Lo, Caliban Yea, Caliban Within, Caliban Prithee

A deformed native of the island, enslaved by Prospero and resentful of his rule.

Miranda

major

Also known as Miranda More, Miranda Alack, Miranda O, Miranda Sir, Miranda Heavens

Prospero's compassionate daughter, who falls in love with Ferdinand.

Ferdinand

major

Also known as Ferdinand Ay, Ferdinand Admired Miranda, O Ferdinand, Ferdinand Sir, Young Ferdinand

The Prince of Naples, who falls in love with Miranda and endures trials for her.

Antonio

supporting

Also known as Antonio Fie, Antonio The cockerel, Antonio Widow, Antonio O, Antonio Temperance, Antonio⁠

Prospero's treacherous brother, who usurped his dukedom and plots further schemes.

Sebastian

supporting

Also known as Sebastian One, Sebastian Ay, Sebastian Sir, Sebastian Claribel, Sebastian Whiles, Sebastian Ha, Sebastian God

Alonso's brother, who conspires with Antonio to kill the king.

Alonso

supporting

Also known as Alonso Old lord, Alonso Good boatswain, Alonso Prithee

The King of Naples, grieving for his son Ferdinand whom he believes drowned.

Gonzalo

supporting

Also known as Gonzalo Nay, Gonzalo Dolour, Gonzalo Sir, Gonzalo Faith, Gonzalo Good, Gonzalo Heavens

An honest old counselor who helped Prospero and Miranda escape years ago.

Stephano

supporting

Also known as Stephano Trinculo, Enter Stephano, Stephano Ay, Stephano Prithee, Stephano Moon, Stephano Moon - calf, Stephano Monster, O king Stephano, Stephano Mum

A drunken butler who plots with Trinculo and Caliban to overthrow Prospero.

Trinculo

supporting

Also known as Trinculo Stephano, very Trinculo, Trinculo Monster

A jester who joins Stephano and Caliban in their comic rebellion.

Ceres

minor

Goddess of agriculture, who appears in the masque celebrating Ferdinand and Miranda.

Juno

minor

Also known as Juno Honour, Great Juno

Queen of the gods, who blesses the betrothal in the masque scene.

Iris

minor

Goddess of the rainbow, who serves as messenger in the masque.

Boatswain

minor

Also known as Boatswain Heigh

The ship's officer who struggles to save the vessel during the storm.

Adrian

minor

Also known as Adrian Carthage, Adrian Tunis, Adrian " Widow Dido "

A lord attending Alonso, who comments on the island's strangeness.

Francisco

minor

Also known as Francisco Sir

A lord attending Alonso, who reports seeing Ferdinand swimming.

Sycorax

minor

The deceased witch and mother of Caliban, who imprisoned Ariel before Prospero.

Claribel

minor

Alonso's daughter, married to the King of Tunis, mentioned in conversation.