Prospero/Prospera – the main character. The Duke of Milan now lives on an island and is a great sorcerer. The play’s protagonist, and father/ or mother of Miranda.
Miranda – The daughter of Prospero, brought to the island at an early age. Because she has been sealed off from the world for so long, Miranda’s perceptions of other people tend to be naïve and non-judgmental. She is compassionate, generous, and loyal to her father.
Ariel – Male or female, must sing. Prospero’s spirit helper. Ariel is referred to as “he,” but his gender and physical form are ambiguous. He is mischievous and ubiquitous, able to traverse the length of the island in an instant and to change shapes at will.
Caliban –the son of the now-deceased witch Sycorax, described as a monster. His speech and behaviour is sometimes coarse and brutal, and sometimes eloquent and sensitive. Very physical character.
Ferdinand – Son and heir of Alonso. Ferdinand seems in some ways to be as pure and naïve as Miranda. He falls in love with her upon first sight and happily submits to servitude in order to win her father’s approval.
Alonso – King (or Queen) of Naples and father/mother of Ferdinand. Alonso aided Antonio in unseating Prospero as Duke of Milan twelve years before. As he appears in the play, however, he is acutely aware of the consequences of all his actions.
Antonio – Prospero’s brother, power-hungry and foolish. He persuades Sebastian to kill the sleeping Alonso.
Sebastian – Alonso’s brother. Like Antonio, he is both aggressive and cowardly. He is easily persuaded to kill his brother and he initiates the ridiculous story about lions when Gonzalo catches him with his sword drawn.
Gonzalo – An old, honest lord, Gonzalo helped Prospero and Miranda to escape after Antonio usurped Prospero’s title. Gonzalo’s speeches provide an important commentary on the events of the play.
Adrian – A Lord
Francisco – A Lord
Trinculo – a jester, physical comedic role
Stephano– a drunken butler, physical comedic role
Boatswain – Appearing only in the first and last scenes, the Boatswain is vigorously goodnatured.
He seems competent and almost cheerful in the shipwreck scene.
Spirits – Several spirits are required to create the magic of many scenes. Spirits should be able to move well and be comfortable in their bodies. Iris, Juno and Ceres are included as well as singing.
