The Tempest by William Shakespeare - Summary

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CHARACTERS

The shipwrecked:
Alonso- King of Naples, father of Ferdinand (conspired with Antonio)
Ferdinand- Prince of Naples, falls in love with Miranda
Sebastian- brother of Alonso, also conspired with Antonio against Prospero
Antonio- brother of Prospero, Duke of Milan after usurping Prospero (conspired with Alonso)
Gonzalo- leaves Miranda and Prospero supplies, enabling their survival
Stephano- friend of Trinculo
Trinculo- friend of Stephano, thought to be a spirit by Caliban
----
Claribel- Alonso's daughter, married to the Prince of Tunis
Miranda- Prospero's daughter, falls in love with Ferdinand
Prospero- former Duke of Milan
Ariel- Prospero's familiar spirit, freed by Prospero after being trapped in a tree by Sycorax
Sycorax- a witch who trapped Ariel in a tree, now dead
Caliban- Prospero's servant, son of Sycorax. Proposes to kill Prospero and make Stephano king of the island


SUMMARY

Act I, Scene I- on a boat
The play opens on a boat, in a tempestuous ocean. The Boatswain implores the passengers to stay below decks so as not to get in the way of the crew, who are trying to save the ship from drowning. The scene ends with the crew announcing the loss of the ship.

Act I, Scene II- on the island near Prospero's cell
Miranda pities the souls on the shipwreck. She suspects that her father Prospero may have had something to do with it, and implores him to allay the tempest so they may be saved.

Prospero decides it is time to tell Miranda the truth about their history. During the tale he repeatedly ascertains that she is alert and attentive. Twelve years ago, he says, he was the Duke of Milan. His brother 

Antonio conspired with the King of Naples, Alonso, to usurp Prospero, and they exiled him with Miranda on a mess of a vessel. Gonzalo, the Neapolitan charged with the execution of their exile, conscientiously stocked the boat with provisions and even books which Prospero so loved.

After being questioned by Miranda, Prospero says he raised the storm, via his servant, Ariel, on discovering that the very enemies that exiled him are on the ship. Ariel made his way onto the ship, created a fiery demonic display that made the passengers jump ship, and now they are all safe on the island. The crew remained on the ship and are on their way home, thinking everyone all the passengers, including the King of Naples, perished.

Prospero tells Ariel there is more work to be done, and when Ariel tells him that his time as indentured servant is up, Prospero reminds him the fate from which he saved Ariel, that of being shut up in a tree by the witch Sycorax. Ariel makes himself invisible, to be the eyes and ears of Prospero. We encounter Caliban, dead Sycorax's son, now slave to Prospero and Miranda. Even though Prospero tried to educate him his foul nature could not be overcome; he even tried to rape Miranda. They taunt him and treat him very badly.

On another part of the island, Ariel, invisible, causes Ferdinand, who is alone, to follow him to Prospero's cell. Ferdinand thinks his father is dead. Miranda sees Ferdinand, and after they ascertain that they are both corporeal they immediately fall for each other. Prospero isn't content with the match- he is suspicious of Ferdinand and treats him roughly. Miranda implores him to be more gentle.

Act II, Scene I
The rest of the ship members are together on the island. Alonso deplores the marriage of his daughter, for if it had never taken place they would not have made the trip and Ferdinand would be alive. Gonzalo speaks of the type of reality he'd create if he were governor of the island. Ariel causes everyone to sleep except Antonio and Sebastian. Antonio convinces Sebastian that they should kill Alonso: since Sebastian is Alonso's brother, he would be next in line for the throne of Naples, if Alonso were gone, since Claribel is too far away and Ferdinand is presumed dead. Ariel awakens the sleepers, including Alonso, saving him from death, and tells him to seek Ferdinand.

Act II, Scene II
Stephano, Trinculo and Caliban get drunk and rowdy.

Act III, Scene I- near Prospero's cell
Prospero has put Ferdinand to work for him. Ferdinand remarks that the work is made sweeter by thoughts of Miranda. He displays courtliness during an affectionate conversation with Miranda. Prospero overhears and finally approves of their relationship.

Act III, Scene II- on the island
Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo are together once again. Caliban convinces Stephano that if he kills Prospero, Stephano shall be king of the island and Caliban Stephano's servant. Stephano will make Miranda his queen. They are distracted by Ariel's music and decide to follow the music before killing Prospero.

Act III, Scene III- another part of the island
Ariel finds Alonso and blames his involvement in the usurpation of Prospero for the death of his son Ferdinand (who isn't actually dead). Alonso feels guilty.

Act IV, Scene I- near Prospero's cell
Prospero apologizes to Ferdinand for being so harsh on Ferdinand, explaining that he was protecting Miranda. He warns Ferdinand not to sleep with her before they are married. Iris, Juno and Ceres enter, along with nymphs, and celebrate the couple's love.

Prospero and Ariel become invisible. Prospero remembers that it is almost time for Stephano, Trinculo and Caliban to carry out their plot against him. Prospero and Ariel hang glittery clothing for the three to find. They fall for this bait. Stephano speaks jovially as though he is king, and then Prospero and Ariel sic ghost dogs on them.

Act V, Scene I
Ariel reports to Prospero that Alonso, Gonzalo and Sebastian are profoundly sorry for their plots and ploys. He orders Ariel that they be released, for they deserve to be forgiven. Ariel gathers them all in a circle and charms them immobile. Prospero moves from person to person, reminding each man of their evil to him. He forgives them, exhibiting exquisitely gentlemanlike behavior, and says they shall soon be free from the island. 
He orders Ariel to go to the ship, wake the crew who is asleep under enchantment, and bring the ship to the island.

Alonso asks Prospero to give him details of his life since the exile. He tells Prospero of the loss of his son Ferdinand, and Prospero says he too recently lost his daughter. He reveals his meaning, showing Ferdinand and Miranda playing chess together. Miranda wonders at the presence of all the people strange to her. They discuss the wonder that now Alonso who lent a hand in Prospero's exile should now be second father to Miranda. They all take solace and forgive each other in the idea that they are a happy family. Not only will Prospero be restored to his Dukedom, but his daughter will become, in a reversal of fortune for her family, heiress to the throne of Naples.

The crew enter, amazed that everyone is alive. He tells that he had been asleep since the tempest. Prospero praises Ariel for a job well done says he is to be released, bidding him to set Caliban and his companions free as a last favor. The three enter in their stolen glittering robes. Prospero orders them to return it.

Prospero invites the party to his cell where they will rest before returning to Naples, where they will see Miranda and Ferdinand officially wed, after which Prospero will retire to Milan. Prospero promises the party calm seas.

William Shakespeare. Illustration source

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