The story in one page
Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, lives on a deserted island with his daughter, Miranda, and his spirit servant, Ariel. When his usurping brother Antonio sails nearby, Prospero conjures a storm to wreck their ship. The survivors are scattered, leaving Prospero to orchestrate their movements, test his daughter's suitor, and settle scores with his enemies. Meanwhile, a local monster and two marooned servants plot a clumsy rebellion against the sorcerer's authority. By the end, the cast reconciles, Prospero abjures his magic, and the group returns to Italy, leaving the island empty once again.
Who's who
- Prospero
A deposed Duke using magic to manipulate events and enemies.
- Miranda
The daughter of Prospero, raised entirely on the island.
- Ariel
A spirit bound to Prospero, tasked with performing magical errands.
- Caliban
A local inhabitant who resents his forced servitude to Prospero.
- Alonso
The King of Naples who helped Antonio displace Prospero.
What it's really about
- Power
- The ownership of people and islands.
- Magic
- An instrument of political control and vengeance.
Why it's memorable
- A man mistakes a shipwrecked courtier for a divine spirit.
- A monster attempts to hide from a storm under a gabardine.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Prospero delivers an epilogue asking the audience to applaud, as his magical powers have evaporated and he relies on their favor to leave the island.
For your book club
- Is magic a substitute for political legitimacy?
- Who actually owns the island?