The Tempest - Plot summary - CCEA

The Tempest begins with a violent storm at sea. A ship carrying King Alonso of Naples, his son Ferdinand, his brother Sebastian, the usurping Duke Antonio and the honest councillor Gonzalo is struck by lightning as they travel home from a wedding in Tunis. The passengers panic, believing they are about to drown. What they do not know is that the storm is no accident: it has been magically created by Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, who now lives on a remote island with his daughter Miranda.

On the island, Prospero reveals to Miranda that 12 years earlier his brother Antonio, with Alonso’s support, stole his dukedom and set him adrift at sea. Only Gonzalo’s kindness saved Prospero and Miranda, providing them with food and Prospero’s precious books of magic. Since then, Prospero has ruled the island, aided by Ariel, a spirit he rescued from imprisonment, and Caliban, the bitter son of the witch Sycorax.

Ariel has ensured that everyone from the ship has reached the island safely, though they are scattered in different groups. Ferdinand, separated from the others, is guided by Ariel’s music towards Prospero and Miranda. The moment the young couple see each other, they fall deeply in love. Although pleased, Prospero pretends to disapprove, hoping to slow their relationship so it develops properly. He accuses Ferdinand of lying about his identity and briefly imprisons him.

Elsewhere on the island, Alonso, Antonio, Sebastian and Gonzalo wander in confusion. Sebastian and Antonio plot to murder Alonso, so Sebastian can become king, but Ariel intervenes and saves him. Meanwhile, Caliban encounters two comic characters from the ship: the drunken butler Stephano and the jester Trinculo. Mistaking Stephano for a god, Caliban persuades them to join him in overthrowing Prospero. Their ridiculous rebellion collapses when Ariel distracts them with magical clothing and drives them away with spirit hounds.

As Prospero’s plan reaches its climax, he conjures a magical banquet to confront Alonso and Antonio with their guilt. Ariel appears as a fearsome harpy, warning them that their suffering is punishment for their betrayal. Overwhelmed with remorse, Alonso believes Ferdinand is dead.

Finally, Prospero reveals himself, forgives his enemies and reunites Alonso with Ferdinand, who is now joyfully engaged to Miranda. He frees Ariel, promises to renounce magic and acknowledges Caliban’s claim to the island. With the ship miraculously repaired, the company prepares to return to Italy, leaving Prospero to give up his books and staff and reclaim his rightful place as Duke of Milan.

1. A violent magical storm hits a ship carrying King Alonso, Prince Ferdinand, Antonio, Sebastian, Gonzalo and others as they travel home from a wedding.
2. The storm is created by Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who now lives on an island with his daughter Miranda.
3. Prospero explains to Miranda how his brother Antonio, with Alonso’s help, stole his dukedom and set them adrift 12 years earlier.
4. Ariel, Prospero’s spirit servant, has safely guided everyone from the ship onto the island, though they are scattered in different groups.
5. Ferdinand is led by Ariel’s music to Prospero and Miranda; he and Miranda fall instantly in love.
6. Prospero pretends to oppose the match and briefly imprisons Ferdinand to test the strength of their feelings.
7. Meanwhile, Alonso, Antonio, Sebastian and Gonzalo wander the island. Antonio and Sebastian plot to kill Alonso, but Ariel stops them.
8. Caliban, Prospero’s resentful servant, teams up with the drunken Stephano and Trinculo, believing they can help him overthrow Prospero.
9. Prospero uses magic to confront his enemies, forcing Alonso and Antonio to face their guilt. Alonso is reunited with Ferdinand, who is alive and engaged to Miranda.
10. Prospero forgives everyone, frees Ariel, acknowledges Caliban’s claim to the island, gives up his magic and prepares to return to Milan on the newly repaired ship.