The Tempest by William Shakespeare - A short summary

 

A violent sea storm wrecks a ship. The crew tries hard to save themselves, but the passengers complain and curse. The ship breaks apart and sinks.

On the shore, Miranda and her father Prospero watch the storm. Miranda feels sorry for the people on the ship and suspects that her father caused the storm. Prospero tells her not to worry—everyone is safe and he did it for her benefit.

He explains his past: He was Duke of Milan but loved studying more than ruling. He left governing to his brother Antonio, who betrayed him with the King of Naples, Alonso. They took over Milan and set Prospero and Miranda adrift in a small boat. Gonzalo, a kind nobleman, secretly gave them clothes, food, and Prospero’s treasured books. They survived and reached this island.

Now, fate has brought his enemies here. Prospero puts Miranda to sleep and summons Ariel, a spirit. Ariel reports that the shipwreck was successful, everyone is safe but scattered, and that Ferdinand (the king’s son) and Alonso each think the other has drowned. Ariel asks for his promised freedom, but Prospero reminds him of how he rescued him from imprisonment by the witch Sycorax and says he must finish his work first.

Prospero calls his other servant, Caliban, Sycorax’s deformed son. They once treated Caliban kindly, but after he tried to assault Miranda, Prospero enslaved him. Caliban now hates Prospero but still has to serve him.

Ariel brings Ferdinand. Ferdinand and Miranda fall in love at first sight. Prospero secretly wants this but pretends to be angry and accuses Ferdinand of coming to steal his daughter. He magically weakens Ferdinand and makes him a prisoner.

On another part of the island, Alonso, Sebastian (his brother), Antonio, Gonzalo, and others wander, confused. Gonzalo tries to cheer Alonso, who believes Ferdinand is dead.

Ariel casts a sleep spell on everyone except Antonio and Sebastian. Antonio persuades Sebastian to kill Alonso so he can be king. Before they strike, Ariel wakes Gonzalo, and the plot fails.

Alonso and his group are led to a magical banquet by spirits, but it vanishes before they eat. Ariel, as a harpy, accuses Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio of deceiving Prospero. He warns them to repent. Alonso is shaken and remembers Prospero’s name.

Prospero blesses Ferdinand and Miranda’s love but warns them not to consummate it before marriage. He stages a magical wedding masque with goddesses offering blessings. 

Prospero prepares to end his magic work. Ariel says the king and others are trapped and suffering. Prospero chooses forgiveness over revenge. He calls them to him, forgives Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian, and praises Gonzalo.

He sends Ariel to bring the ship’s crew. The ship is safe. Prospero promises Ariel freedom once everything is done and prepares to return to Milan, giving up his magic forever.