# The Tempest — Character guide

> Key figures in The Tempest by William Shakespeare.

- [Prospero](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/prospero.md): The rightful Duke of Milan, a powerful sorcerer who orchestrates events on the island.
- [Ariel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/ariel.md): A spirit servant of Prospero, bound to carry out his magical commands.
- [Caliban](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/caliban.md): A deformed native of the island, enslaved by Prospero and resentful of his rule.
- [Miranda](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/miranda.md): Prospero's compassionate daughter, who falls in love with Ferdinand.
- [Ferdinand](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/ferdinand.md): The Prince of Naples, who falls in love with Miranda and endures trials for her.
- [Antonio](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/antonio.md): Prospero's treacherous brother, who usurped his dukedom and plots further schemes.
- [Sebastian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/sebastian.md): Alonso's brother, who conspires with Antonio to kill the king.
- [Alonso](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/alonso.md): The King of Naples, grieving for his son Ferdinand whom he believes drowned.
- [Gonzalo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/gonzalo.md): An honest old counselor who helped Prospero and Miranda escape years ago.
- [Stephano](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/stephano.md): A drunken butler who plots with Trinculo and Caliban to overthrow Prospero.
- [Trinculo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/trinculo.md): A jester who joins Stephano and Caliban in their comic rebellion.
- [Ceres](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/ceres.md): Goddess of agriculture, who appears in the masque celebrating Ferdinand and Miranda.
- [Juno](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/juno.md): Queen of the gods, who blesses the betrothal in the masque scene.
- [Iris](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/iris.md): Goddess of the rainbow, who serves as messenger in the masque.
- [Boatswain](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/boatswain.md): The ship's officer who struggles to save the vessel during the storm.
- [Adrian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/adrian.md): A lord attending Alonso, who comments on the island's strangeness.
- [Francisco](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/francisco.md): A lord attending Alonso, who reports seeing Ferdinand swimming.
- [Sycorax](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/sycorax.md): The deceased witch and mother of Caliban, who imprisoned Ariel before Prospero.
- [Claribel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/claribel.md): Alonso's daughter, married to the King of Tunis, mentioned in conversation.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tempest_se/characters