| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Prospero | The rightful Duke of Milan, exiled by his brother Antonio and King Alonso of Naples. Prospero has lived on a deserted island for 12 years with his daughter Miranda, becoming a powerful enchanter. He controls the spirit Ariel and Caliban, using his magic to manipulate events but ultimately chooses forgiveness over revenge. |
| Ariel | A spirit and Prospero's servant, freed from imprisonment by Prospero. Ariel desires freedom promised by Prospero and aids him with mischievous tricks. At the play's end, Ariel's compassion moves Prospero to forgive his enemies. |
| Caliban | Prospero's unwilling slave, son of the deceased witch Sycorax. Initially friendly with Prospero, Caliban grows bitter, feeling enslaved despite being educated by Prospero. He symbolizes colonization and the clash between natives and explorers. |
| Miranda | Prospero's daughter and rightful princess of Milan. Isolated on the island, Miranda is compassionate and falls in love with Ferdinand, whom she meets as one of the few humans she knows. |
| Antonio | Prospero's brother, power-hungry and unrepentant for plotting against Prospero and later encouraging Sebastian to overthrow Alonso. |
| Gonzalo | Alonso's advisor, originally tasked with exiling Prospero and Miranda but provides them with provisions out of pity. Gonzalo maintains a positive outlook despite ridicule. |
| Ferdinand | Alonso's son, who falls in love with Miranda, sealing reconciliation between Alonso and Prospero. Ferdinand is kind, loyal, and sincere in his affections. |
| Sebastian | Alonso's brother, easily persuaded by Antonio to murder Alonso and seize power, showing little remorse. |
| Stephano | Alonso's butler, a comical character who becomes involved in Caliban's plot against Prospero, enjoying the idea of becoming a king. |
| Minor Characters | Include Alonso, Trinculo, the Boatswain, Sycorax, Adrian, Francisco, Iris, Ceres, and Juno, each playing smaller roles in the play's events and themes. |