Character Analysis (OCR A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes
Character analysis
Understanding characters in The Tempest requires viewing each one as serving a specific function within Shakespeare's dramatic vision. Rather than simply memorising character traits, successful analysis considers how each character represents broader ideas or social groups, and how their interactions drive the play's themes forward. When examining characters, think about their symbolic roles, their development throughout the play, and what they reveal about Shakespeare's concerns with power, justice, colonisation and forgiveness.
Prospero
Prospero stands at the heart of The Tempest as its complex and flawed protagonist. Once the rightful Duke of Milan, he was betrayed by his brother Antonio with help from Alonso, King of Naples. Cast adrift with his young daughter Miranda, Prospero arrived on a mysterious island where he used his books of magic to become a powerful sorcerer and take control of the island's inhabitants.
Prospero's use of power
Shakespeare introduces Prospero as a bitter character consumed by thoughts of vengeance. His deep sense of betrayal manifests in his need to control others around him. He imprisons Caliban in a cave following an assault on Miranda, puts his daughter to sleep when he wishes to hide information from her, and enslaves the spirit Ariel despite having freed them from an earlier curse. This controlling behaviour reveals Prospero's flawed nature, even though he serves as the play's central figure.
The relationship between Prospero and Caliban deserves particular attention. These two characters were once close, sharing knowledge and companionship, but their relationship has deteriorated into bitter enmity. Their exchanges feature harsh, derogatory language that conveys the depth of their mutual hatred. This conflict drives much of the play's dramatic tension and raises important questions about power and colonisation.
Prospero as omnipotent figure
Prospero possesses godlike powers on the island. He can listen to private conversations, create elaborate visions and illusions, and control the actions of others through his magic garment and staff. Many critics argue that Prospero represents Shakespeare himself as a playwright. In the final speech, Prospero directly addresses the audience, asking them to release him from the illusions he has created through dramatic art.
His decision to throw his books into the sea and request applause to set him free suggests the playwright's own relationship with theatrical magic. This meta-theatrical moment blurs the line between character and creator, inviting audiences to reflect on the nature of dramatic illusion itself.
Character development and redemption
Prospero's journey in the play explores themes of justice, mercy and personal growth. Whilst he begins as a vengeful figure misguided by his desire for control, the resolution shows his transformation. Prospero relinquishes his magical powers, his "art", and reconciles with his enemies. This change represents his embrace of mercy and accountability over revenge. He acknowledges that forgiveness, though more difficult, proves more virtuous than vengeance. His manipulation of vulnerable characters like Miranda, Ferdinand, Ariel and Caliban ultimately gives way to a recognition of the importance of freedom and forgiveness.
Miranda
Miranda, Prospero's daughter, embodies innocence and isolation in the play. Having lived on the island since she was three years old, she knows almost nothing of the wider world beyond her father's teachings. Shakespeare characterises her this way to highlight her sheltered existence and limited understanding.
Innocence and control
Miranda's father exercises considerable control over her life, going so far as to magically force sleep upon her when he wishes to hide information. Whilst Prospero's dialogue suggests protective paternal concern, his actions reveal a more manipulative form of control. This dynamic between father and daughter adds complexity to both characters and raises questions about the nature of care and authority.
Miranda's role in the play follows conventions of Shakespearean comedy. Her potential marriage becomes a central concern, with multiple male characters viewing her as a prize. Caliban's expressed wish to couple with her and populate the island with their offspring introduces themes of colonisation and competing claims to the island.
Her father carefully manages her interactions with men, particularly Ferdinand, whom he tests before accepting as a suitable match.
Miranda and themes of love
Miranda's sexuality creates conflict throughout the play. Prospero controls and tests her love interest Ferdinand, placing obstacles in their relationship to prove Ferdinand's worthiness. Despite these challenges, their eventual marriage in the play's resolution provides the happy ending typical of comedy. However, the fact that Miranda and Ferdinand remain on the island with Caliban suggests an ambiguous future, raising questions about what will happen after the play ends.
Ariel
Ariel exists as a nymph or spirit who embodies the play's themes of magic and illusion. The exposition reveals that Ariel suffered imprisonment by the witch Sycorax, a former island settler, who cursed Ariel and trapped them inside a tree. Prospero's release of Ariel from this curse creates a debt that binds the spirit to service.
Servitude and loyalty
Ariel serves Prospero throughout the play, beginning with the creation of the tempest that gives the play's title. Only Prospero can see Ariel, making the spirit invisible to other characters. This invisibility allows Ariel to move freely and carry out Prospero's commands without detection.
Shakespeare deliberately avoids assigning Ariel a gender in the text, and different theatrical productions over the centuries have presented Ariel as male, female, or neither. This ambiguity allows for diverse interpretations and adds to Ariel's ethereal, otherworldly nature.
Vulnerability and freedom
Despite possessing magical powers, Ariel appears vulnerable to Prospero's control. The spirit represents a victim of manipulative power, constantly reminded of the debt owed to Prospero. Throughout the play, Prospero promises Ariel eventual freedom once his plans reach completion. This promise keeps Ariel loyal and obedient.
The resolution brings cathartic satisfaction when Prospero finally releases Ariel from servitude, restoring a sense of order and justice. This release symbolises Prospero's growth and his willingness to relinquish control over others.
Caliban
Caliban, son of the witch Sycorax, was left alone on the island with invisible spirits until Prospero and Miranda arrived. His character symbolises the native inhabitant of a colonised land, and through him Shakespeare explores complex ideas about knowledge, culture and power.
Knowledge and cultural exchange
The exposition explains that Prospero and Caliban initially shared knowledge in a mutually beneficial relationship. Caliban taught Prospero about the island's resources and how to survive in this strange environment. In return, Prospero taught Caliban sophisticated language and European cultural knowledge. This exchange represents the early stages of colonial contact, before conflict and exploitation disrupted their relationship.
Enslavement and conflict
Caliban's current enslaved status results from his attempt to sexually assault Miranda. He expressed a wish to make her his wife so they could rule the island together and populate it with their offspring. Following this assault, Prospero imprisoned Caliban in a cave and subjected him to harsh treatment.
The bitter conflict between these two characters drives much of the play's action. Their exchanges feature as worthy adversaries who understand each other well, with derogatory insults revealing the intensity of their mutual hatred. This relationship encapsulates the play's exploration of power, colonisation, and the breakdown of trust.
Colonisation and sympathy
Shakespeare's characterisation of Caliban raises important questions about colonisation and cultural difference. Although other characters describe him as a monster and savage, Shakespeare presents Caliban sympathetically. His expressions of oppression and betrayal resonate with audiences, as does his fear of Prospero's overwhelming power. When Caliban plots with Stephano to overthrow and murder Prospero, his desperation becomes understandable given his circumstances.
Cultural Misunderstanding in Action:
The scene where Caliban becomes drunk and immediately swears allegiance to Stephano demonstrates cultural differences at work. This moment contains both comedy and pathos (a quality that evokes pity or sadness).
Audiences witness Caliban's humiliation as he mistakes alcohol's effects for divine power, highlighting his vulnerability and the tragedy of cultural misunderstanding in colonial encounters. His reverence for Stephano reveals how unfamiliarity with European customs makes him vulnerable to exploitation.
Antonio
Antonio, Prospero's younger brother, betrayed and overthrew Prospero to seize the position of Duke of Milan. This act of treachery required assistance from Alonso, King of Naples, creating a debt Antonio wishes to escape. His plan involves helping Sebastian become King of Naples in Alonso's place, which would free Antonio from his obligation.
Antonio's character represents themes of betrayal and ruthless ambition. Shakespeare portrays him as scheming and deceitful, willing to commit murder to achieve his goals. His attempt to kill the sleeping Alonso demonstrates his moral corruption and lack of loyalty. Through Antonio, the play explores how power can corrupt and how betrayal damages relationships and social order.
Ferdinand
Ferdinand, son of King Alonso, becomes separated from the other survivors when the ship wrecks. This isolation leaves him vulnerable to manipulation by Prospero and Ariel's magic. His primary role in the play centres on his relationship with Miranda as her love interest.
Prospero orchestrates Ferdinand and Miranda's meeting, using his magic to bring them together. When they fall in love, Prospero decides to test Ferdinand's worthiness by setting him to difficult labour. He severely restricts Ferdinand's access to Miranda, allowing them only brief moments together. Despite these obstacles, Ferdinand's love remains strong and pure, proving his genuine feelings.
In the resolution, Ferdinand and Miranda's marriage provides the play's happy ending. He represents the man Prospero accepts as worthy of his daughter, standing in direct contrast to Caliban, whom Prospero rejected violently. Ferdinand's acceptance into the family symbolises appropriate social order and the continuation of noble bloodlines.
Stephano
Stephano, Alonso's butler, washes ashore already in a drunken state. He and his companion Trinculo befriend Caliban, providing him with a sense of safety on the island. When Stephano shares his alcohol with Caliban, the naive native mistakes him for a god, never having experienced intoxication before.
Stephano enjoys Caliban's admiration but remains aware that this reverence is unjustified and diminishes Caliban's dignity. This awareness suggests some moral consciousness, though not enough to prevent him from exploiting the situation. He and Caliban conspire together to overthrow Prospero, with Stephano representing another threat to established power, albeit a comic and ineffective one.
Boatswain
The Boatswain, who serves as the ship's officer, appears in the opening scene during the storm and returns in the final scene. During the tempest, he expresses frustration with the noblemen for ignoring his instructions and interfering with the crew's work. This interaction establishes class tensions and questions about authority during crisis.
In the resolution, the Boatswain awakens from a long sleep, completely unaware of the events that have transpired on the island. His confusion and ignorance provide an interesting contrast to the other characters' transformative experiences, suggesting that not everyone is touched by the magical events of the play.
Exam guidance
Whole-Text Approach
When writing about characters in The Tempest, adopt a whole-text approach rather than focusing narrowly on the extract provided. The extract serves as a springboard to discuss character development and thematic concerns throughout the entire play. Consider how Shakespeare presents characters differently at various points, noting any development or changes in their behaviour and attitudes.
Look for contrasts and parallels in characters and situations across different scenes. You can demonstrate sophisticated understanding without necessarily quoting extensively. For instance, discussing how Prospero's attitude towards forgiveness changes from the beginning to the end of the play shows strong analytical skills. Think about what these contrasts reveal about Shakespeare's exploration of themes like power, justice, mercy and redemption.
Characters as Thematic Vehicles
Remember that characters serve specific functions in driving the play's themes forward. In The Tempest, Shakespeare uses characters to represent different elements of society and to explore how individuals influence each other's emotions and choices. Consider power dynamics, social hierarchies, and the ways characters manipulate or liberate one another.
Key Points to Remember:
- Each character serves a symbolic function representing broader themes and social concerns
- Prospero's journey from revenge to forgiveness drives the play's central transformation
- Miranda's isolation and controlled life reflect themes of innocence, power and patriarchal authority
- Ariel represents magical illusion and the complex relationship between servitude and freedom
- Caliban embodies colonial themes, exploring cultural difference, exploitation and resistance
- Character relationships reveal power dynamics and social hierarchies central to the play's meaning