Character Analysis: Supporting Characters

The Tempest has a rich cast of supporting characters who reflect, contrast, and complicate the play's themes. This lesson covers Ariel, Caliban, Ferdinand, Gonzalo, Antonio, Sebastian, Stephano, and Trinculo.

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Character Relationship Map

                         PROSPERO
                       /    |     \
                      /     |      \
                 ARIEL   MIRANDA -- FERDINAND
                (spirit   (daughter)  (lover/prince)
                servant)       |
                    |          |
                    |      ALONSO (King of Naples)
                    |       /     \
                    |  GONZALO   SEBASTIAN
                    |  (loyal     (treacherous
                    |  counsellor)  brother)
                    |                 |
                 CALIBAN          ANTONIO
                (enslaved        (Prospero's
                 native)         treacherous brother)
                /      \
          STEPHANO   TRINCULO
          (butler)    (jester)

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Ariel

Ariel is a spirit of the air who serves Prospero.

Ariel's Background

• Ariel was imprisoned in a cloven pine by the witch Sycorax for refusing to carry out her commands
• Prospero freed Ariel from the tree and, in return, Ariel serves him
• Ariel longs for freedom and Prospero repeatedly promises it

Ariel's Role