Close to a Mediterranean island a storm overcomes a ship that carries King Alonso of Naples, his son Ferdinand and brother Sebastian, home from Tunis to Italy. Shipwrecked with them are the courtier, Gonzalo, and Antonio, the Duke of Milan.

The storm is watched from the shore by Prospero, the former Duke of Milan and his fifteen year-old daughter, Miranda. Prospero tells her the story that twelve years before he had been deposed in a coup by his brother, Antonio, but with the aid of Gonzalo he had escaped in a boat with the infant Miranda and his books of magic. They came to the island and made it their home while the only native islander, Caliban, son of the witch Sycorax, was made their slave. Their only other companions are the spirits led by Ariel, whom Prospero had rescued by his magic, from imprisonment in a tree.

The courtiers are cast ashore unharmed, but the King is near despair, believing that Ferdinand is drowned. The Prince has, however, also arrived safely on the island. He meets Miranda and they instantly fall in love with one another. Prospero fears for his daughter and captures Ferdinand, forcing him to carry wood home to his cell. Ariel seeks his freedom, and he is promised that this will follow completion of a few more tasks.

Ariel uses music to lead the courtiers astray, while Sebastian and Antonio plot to kill the King. Their attempt is foiled by Ariel and all are led on seeking food and assistance, becoming ever more confused as they go. In another part of the island, the timid court fool, Trinculo, has come ashore and discovers Caliban, who has hidden from the tormenting spirits. Trinculo hides beside Caliban from an approaching storm and they are found by the ship's butler Stephano, who has a hidden cask of wine. The three get very drunk before setting off to the cell where, at Caliban's suggestion, they intend to kill Prospero and make Stephano lord of the island. Ariel reports the plot to his master.

Prospero has relented towards Ferdinand and he entertains Miranda and the Prince to a masque of goddesses and dancing reapers before he remembers Caliban's plots. Stephano and Trinculo are distracted by gaudy clothes hung out for them, and they are chased away by spirits disguised as dogs.

All the courtiers are brought by Ariel to the cell where Prospero, renouncing his magic, reveals himself. Instead of revenge he forgives the past and accepts the return of his dukedom as Ferdinand and Miranda are betrothed. Sailors come to announce that the ship is safe and Ariel is set free as Caliban and the drunken servants are rebuked. The play ends as all go to celebrate their reunions.

'TheTempest' was written in 1611 and performed at court later that year. It was printed as the first play in the 'Comedies, Histories and Tragedies' (the 'First Folio') of 1623.

© Marian J. Pringle
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust