1. The Tempest The Character of Ariel
Prospero and Ariel played by Dennis Kleinsmith and Don Pitsch in Auburn Regional Theatre’s 2007 production of The Tempest

2. obtain what he wants from
The Character of Ariel
ARIEL’S ROLE IN THE TEMPEST
THE TEMPEST
Rescue &
Promise of Freedom
Ferdinand
Gonzalo
elements of
because of
Magic
Mythology
Prospero
obtain what he wants from
due to
represented by
Loyalty, Respect & Devotion
ARIEL
characteristics
Control of Natural Elements
used to
create
Music
Traps
for
Adrian
Francisco
Sebastian
Antonio
Alonso
Caliban
Stephano
Trinculo
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The Character of Ariel
ARIEL’S CHARACTERISTICS
Kate Newlyn, Ariel
Origin of the name
Subject for art
William Blake, Ariel and Prospero
The Bible
Aerial
ARIEL
Attitude towards
Prospero
Desire of Freedom
Control of other Spirits
Loyalty
Respect
Devotion
Music
Magic
Invisibility
visible in the text
visible in the text
Natural Elements
Text:
Act I, Scene 2
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The Character of Ariel
1. Who is Ariel?
Ariel is an airy spirit who first appears in Act I, Scene 2
Prospero's messenger joins the power of all elemental spirits: he appears as a sea-nymph, a fire-spirit, a spirit of earth and a spirit of the air.
Formerly at the service of the witch Sycorax, he was confined in a pine, because he had offended her.
After twelve years' imprisonment, Prospero's magic power set him free and he became his servant.
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Kate Newlyn, Ariel

5. The Character of Ariel
2. Ariel’s name
His name means "Lion of the Lord", and this is a possible explanation to the fact that, in the play, his voice is sometimes confused with lion roars. Ariel may also be a simple play on the word "aerial".
Priscilla Horton as Ariel
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6. The Character of Ariel
3. Ariel’s powers
Ariel can also control other spirits and music, which is a way to transform reality and to confuse and terrorize the enemies.
He can become invisible.
He is as fast as a thought and can change his appearance.
Ariel in a theatral representation
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7. 4. Ariel as Prospero’s tool
The Character of Ariel
4. Ariel as Prospero’s tool
Ariel is Prospero’s eyes and ears throughout the play, using his magical abilities to cause the tempest and to prevent other characters’ plots against his master.
William Blake, Ariel and Prospero
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