The Tempest (Grades 9–1) York Notes

Former Duke of Milan, now exiled on the island with his daughter, he uses magical powers with the aid of the spirit Ariel to rule the island.

Son of the witch Sycorax, a bitter creature who claims Prospero stole the island from him, he plots unsuccessfully with Trinculo and Stephano to overthrow his master.

Spirit who carries out Prospero’s commands, using an ability to change shape, fly, become invisible and imitate voices, until finally set free at the end of the play.

Prospero’s daughter, she taught Caliban to speak, but claims he tried to ‘violate’ her in return. Falls in love with shipwrecked King of Naples’s son, Ferdinand.

Wise, old counsellor who helped Prospero escape when he was overthrown. Dreams of a Utopian commonwealth, but is ridiculed by Antonio and Sebastian.