1. The Tempest: Summary

2. What happens at the start of the play?
The King of Naples (Alonso), Sebastian (King’s brother), Antonio (Duke of Milan) and Ferdinand (son of the King) are on a boat in the middle of a storm or tempest. The boat is split in half and the occupants are thrown in to the sea. They are near Prospero’s island. The storm was caused by Ariel on Prospero’s orders.

3. 2. What does Prospero tell Miranda about?
Prospero tells Miranda that he used to be the Duke of Milan but his brother Antonio betrayed him. Prospero and Miranda were then cast off to sea in a small boat. They arrived at this island where they have been living for the last twelve years. Prospero tells Miranda that he caused the storm and that all the people on board were responsible for stealing Prospero’s dukedom.

4. 3. Who are Prospero’s servants and what do we find out about them?
Prospero’s servants are Caliban and Ariel. Ariel was imprisoned in a tree by Caliban’s mother who was a witch. Ariel is an airy spirit. Ariel now works for Prospero as a reward for being rescued, but Ariel wants to be set free. Caliban’s mother was a witch. Prospero helped Caliban at the start by teaching him to read, but he is now his servant as he tried to rape Miranda.

5. 4. What is King Alonso worried about when he reaches the island?
Alonso is worried that his son, Ferdinand has been lost or killed in the storm. He arranges a search party to go and look for him.

6. 5. What has actually happened to Ferdinand?
Ferdinand has fallen in love with Prospero’s daughter, Miranda. Prospero is not happy about this and makes him chop up wood. Ferdinand and Miranda proclaim their love for each other and Ferdinand promises to marry Miranda.

7. 6. What are Antonio and Sebastian planning to do?
Antonio and Sebastian are planning to murder King Alonso so that Sebastian, as the King’s brother, can become King.

8. 7. What appears in front of the shipwrecked group?
Prospero arranges for a banquet to be placed in front of the shipwrecked group, but before they can eat it, a harpy appears. She says there are three traitors. Alonso repents of his actions, but Antonio and Sebastian do not feel as sorry for their actions.

9. 8. What does Caliban plot with Stephano (Butler) and Trinculo (Jester) to do?
Caliban plots with Stephano and Trinculo to murder Prospero with the incentive that they can rule the island afterwards. Prospero discovers this plot and sets some hounds on them. Caliban then apologises for his behaviour.

10. 9. What does Prospero decide to do in relation to Ferdinand?
Prospero agrees to let Miranda and Ferdinand marry.

11. 10. How does the ending finish happily?
Alonso returns Prospero’s dukedom. Alonso is pleased about the upcoming marriage of his son and Miranda. Prospero releases Ariel.