Analysis of the character of Tempest William Shakespeare's last play, The Tempest, is a story about Prospero (the rightful Duke of Milan). He is betrayed by his brother Antonio and left to die on a ship with his daughter Miranda. Except things don't go according to plan and Prospero and Miranda arrive on an island. Prospero is seeking his revenge. Returning from a wedding in Africa, a ship on which Prospero's enemies are traveling is attacked by a storm and scatters its passengers across the island. Prospero displays three main character traits: strength, protection, and forgiveness. Prospero is a very powerful person and by using his spell books he is able to conjure powerful magic. Perhaps the most powerful thing he controls is Ariel (a spirit). An example of this is when Prospero says "Hast thou, spirit, preformed to point the storm which I have ordained thee." (718) Ariel had the power to create a great sea storm and Prospero had the power to control Ariel, which gave him great energy. Another reason why Prospero is powerful is his knowledge of Caliban, Stephen, and Trinculo's plot to kill the king. So when Prospero regains his place in Milan, he will face powerful blackmail should he need favors or try something stupid. This way they will think twice before going against Prospero. Especially considering Miranda will become queen. These are the reasons why Prospero is powerful. Prospero is protective of those close to him, especially Miranda. Over the course of The Tempest Prospero slowly makes sure that Ferdinand and Miranda's love does not quickly fade away. Prospero even called Ferdinand a traitor just to make Miranda seem harder to win over. This way the couple wouldn't become a lost cause. When Prospero says "Both have the powers of both. But I must make this quick feat difficult lest too light a victory make the prize light" (726) he is revealing his true plan to Ariel who wants to make Miranda more difficult to obtain. This is because Prospero feels that their love will be stronger if it is harder to obtain. Prospero is also protective when he says "the strongest oaths are chaff to fire and blood" (764) this was said to Ferdinand after Prospero made him promise not to have sex with Miranda before they got married. He is stunned to see that after his promise Ferdinand is playing with Miranda.