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The Tempest

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  • Story
    • Plot
    • Timeline
    • Scene-by-scene
  • Characters
    • Who's who
    • Relationships
    • Analysis
  • Language
    • Key Terms
    • Key Scenes
    • Analysis
  • Staging
    • Setting
    • Productions
    • Performing

Who's who

  • Prospero

    Prospero used to be the Duke of Milan and now rules the island. He is Miranda's father.

  • Miranda

    Miranda is Prospero’s daughter. She lives on the island with her father.

  • Ariel

    Ariel is a spirit of the island and Prospero’s servant.

  • Caliban

    Caliban is the son of Sycorax, a witch. He was born on the island and is Prospero’s slave.

  • Ferdinand

    Ferdinand is the Prince of Naples, son of Alonso.

  • Trinculo

    Trinculo is Alonso’s jester and Stephano’s friend.

  • Stephano

    Stephano is Alonso’s butler. He is friends with Trinculo.

  • Alonso

    Alonso is King of Naples and Ferdinand's father.

  • Antonio

    Antonio is Prospero’s brother. He became Duke of Milan after overthrowing his brother.

  • Gonzalo

    Gonzalo is Alonso’s counsellor and trusted advisor.

Teacher Notes

More Info

The following activity is a great way to introduce the characters and ideas from the play for the first time.

Discovering the Characters (2016)

The activity can be found on page 3 and takes approximately 30 minutes.

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