Prospero was usurped of his title as Duke of Milan
by his brother, Antonio, who then cast him away on
a boat with his baby daughter, Miranda. The pair
wash up on a mysterious isle. This is when Prospero
takes over the isle from Caliban. He also frees a
spirit called Ariel and makes him his servant
alongside Caliban. Chaos ensues after fate brings
Prospero’s enemies near the isle so he takes the
chance to reclaim his position.
How does Prospero’s behaviour change throughout
the play?
 Prospero is often seen as a ruthless and determined
character. It seems that he does not change his
behaviour so he can manipulate other characters. Most
of his efforts always go into manipulation and control.
“Now does my project gather head”
Act V Scene I, line I
 Our first impression of Prospero is that he is cruel because we
see him cause a disastrous tempest then exert power over his
slaves: Caliban and Ariel.
“For this, be sure, to-night thou shalt/have
cramps,/Side-stitches that shall pen thy breath up.”
Act I Scene II, line 324-326

Caliban represents his darker side whilst Ariel represents the
lighter. He treats Caliban harshly to get what he wants and
utterly despises him. His thirst for control never ceases – even
in Scene V he is controlling his enemies. The treatment of his
enemies is pretty terrifying - he threatens Caliban with
violence and emotionally traumatises Gonzalo, Alonso, Antonio
and Sebastian.

An example of Prospero’s darker traits is the fact he
contradicted himself when he usurped Caliban of his
position as ruler of the isle. Although it could be argued
that it is deserved after Caliban’s attempted rape of his
daughter but technically Prospero committed an act that
was committed against him previously. It shows that
human nature and the hunger for power never changes.
“At this hour/Lies mercy all mine enemies”
Act IV Scene I, Line 268
 As mentioned, Ariel represents his lighter side.
 Prospero does show some minor change in behaviour.
He shows affection towards Ariel because the
relationship with this slave includes positive
reinforcement. That being said, both slaves are eager
to be released by their master.
“My brave spirit!” Act I Scene II, Line 205
“You said our work should cease”
“I did say so, when I first raised the Tempest.
Say, my spirit,/How fares the King and’s
followers?”
Act V Scene I, Lines 3-6
 An example of Prospero using cruel behaviour is found
with Miranda and Ferdinand. Prospero intends for
Miranda to fall in love with Ferdinand, this happens
instantaneously but Prospero uses his manipulation
skills on the couple to ensure that Ferdinand does not
think he can get her so easily.
 Prospero accuses Ferdinand of lying and sends him away
to do work that only Caliban would be required to do.
Ferdinand realises he must earn Miranda. The fact that
Prospero cares for his daughter shines through and this
shows that he is not a purely evil character. The
difference is that his cruel behaviour is for a positive
reason.
 Prospero treats them to a pre-wedding celebration where he conjures
up spirits who bless the happy couple.
 It is noteworthy that Prospero never intends to harm or kill any
character. He may taunt and terrify but none of his acts equate to the
blood thirsty nature of Sebastian and Antonio or the attempted rape by
Caliban.
“There’s no harm done” Act I Scene II, Line 16
“No harm./I have done nothing but in care of thee - /of
thee, my dear one, thee my daughter.” Act I Scene II,
Line 15-17
“But are they, Ariel, safe?” Act I Scene II, Line 216
 Most of his acts are intended for revenge because his
character has been wronged by so many, which also
includes the plot for revenge committed by Trinculo,
Stephano and Caliban.
 Therefore, Prospero does have a capacity for caring but
mainly he focuses on manipulation and revenge.
“But this swift/business/I must uneasy
make”
Act I Scene II, Line 449-451

Overall, the behaviour we see from Prospero in the play always reflects his authoritative
and dominant position of power.

He seeks out revenge and uses all his efforts to teach a lesson to all of the
characters. The following list shows that Prospero’s behaviour is patterned:
-He teaches Ferdinand that in order to marry his daughter he must value her.
-He teaches Miranda not to submit easily to her impulses.
-He teaches Antonio, Sebastian and Alonso that their betrayal and attempted
murder, (by Antonio and Sebastian) will never be truly forgiven.
-He teaches Trinculo, Caliban and Stephano that they cannot get away with theft and
attempted take-over of power.
-He teaches Caliban that if he acts like a monster, (albeit defined by modern
society’s laws) then he will be treated like one.