Prospero
The true Duke of Milan, who has been stripped of his rule and exiled to sea by Antonio, his brother, and Alonso, the King of Naples. Prospero, along with his daughter, Miranda, have lived for twelve years on an island inhabited by them and a group of spirits. Prospero has become the powerful leader and master of the sprit, Ariel, and the creature, Caliban. Prospero controls nearly every being on the island. He has even exercised control over his own daughter. Prospero expects those around him to be fully devoted to him. And, while domineering, he is a forgiving man. At the end of the play, he shows mercy to those of have wronged him.
Ariel
Prospero’s servant, the spirit Ariel was rescued from a prison where he was being held by the witch, Sycorax. Grateful for having been rescued, Ariel serves Prospero, relying on magic to carry out his wishes. However, Ariel longs for true freedom, which Prospero continues to promise him. Until then, Ariel will serve Prospero and appears to take pleasure in the mischievous antics he is asked to play on Prospero’s enemies. In the end, it is Ariel’s compassion that encourages Prospero to forgive his wrongdoers.
Caliban
The unwilling slave of Prospero, Caliban was the son of Sycorax and the true ruler of the island. Caliban feels strongly that he should have control of the land. When Prospero originally settled on the island, Caliban offered him friendship. However, Prospero was never able to see him as more than a savage beast. Caliban deeply desires taking the island back from Prospero. In several ways, Caliban is a symbol for the native inhabitants of lands explored by Europeans. Shakespeare, through Caliban and the relationship with Prospero, explores the theme of early colonization.
Miranda
The daughter of Prospero, Miranda is the unknowing princess of Milan. Knowing very little about her history, Prospero educates her in scene two. Miranda appears to be compassionate and loyal to her father. Her only display of negativity is directed towards Caliban, who attempted to sexually assault her. Having been kept away from all other humans except her father, Miranda is enamoured when she encounters other humans, she immediately falls in love with Ferdinand.
Antonio
Antonio is Prospero’s brother. He once enacted a plan to overthrow Prospero and later conspires with Sebastian to overthrow Alonso. Antonio has a thirst for power, he is incapable of showing remorse for his wrongdoings. Even after his brother’s forgiveness, Antonio still shows little repentance.
GonzaloThe once trusted advisor of Alonso, Gonzalo played an integral part in the kidnapping of Prospero and Miranda. Gonzalo, by nature, is kind and made arrangements for the duo to have provisions and a chance to survive their exile. Gonzalo is often ridiculed for his overly positive demeanour.
Ferdinand
Ferdinand is the son of Alonso. Throughout the play, he shows expressions of his love for Miranda and later they agree to marry. It is this union that helps to reconcile the rift between Prospero of Milan and Alonso of Naples. Ferdinand is described as loyal, kind and compassionate.
Sebastian
The brother of Alonso. Sabastian conspires with Antonio to attempt to kill his brother and take his place as king.
Stephano
Stephano is the butler of Alonso. He spends the entirety of the play drunk. Caliban briefly vows to serve Stephano when he becomes intoxicated on wine and mistakes him for a god. Stephano has ambitions of ruling the land, making Caliban’s plan to kill Prospero very enticing.