Character Analysis: Prospero

The destructive storm of The Tempest constantly swirls around one character: Prospero.

Initially we are encouraged to think of Prospero as a typical colonial man who has enforced his will on virgin soil. His dominance over Caliban and his claim to be ruler of the island is in parallel with typically portrayed destructive explorers. However, nothing is as simple as this with Shakespeare. Caliban is not a native of the island and Prospero has been exiled there.

This captivity forces us to consider Prospero in a different light. His position as ruler of Milan has been usurped by his brother and this adds a new dimension to his actions. His dominant and arrogant behaviour on the island may just be a reaction to the hardships Prospero has had to face.

The final act of the play reconciles these two theories. An elaborate plan has resulted in Prospero gaining power over Antonio and Alonso. But rather than exact any kind of punishment or vengeance, Prospero seems to forget the wrongs committed against him. It is clear that the former Duke of Milan is nothing more than a power hungry politician.

Shakespeare creates many angles of perception in Prospero and yet still allows us to identify his core nature.