The Tempest: Study Guide

Shakespeare’s story of an exiled ruler who uses magic to restore his daughter to power argues that the powerful must show mercy. First performed in 1611, The Tempest explores the consequences of European settlement in the New World. Read a character analysis of Prospero, plot summary and important quotes.

Summary

Read a Plot Overview of the entire play or a scene by scene Summary and Analysis.

Plot Overview
Five Key Questions
What Does the Ending Mean?

Summary & Analysis
Act I, scene i
Act I, scene ii
Act I, scene ii (continued)
Act II, scene i
Act II, scene ii
Act III, scene i
Act III, scene ii
Act III, scene iii
Act IV, scene i
Act V, scene i & Epilogue

Characters

See a complete list of the characters in The Tempest and in-depth analyses of Prospero, Miranda, Caliban, Ariel, and Gonzalo.

Character List
Prospero
Miranda
Caliban
Ariel
Gonzalo

Main Ideas

Here's where you'll find analysis about the play as a whole, from the major themes and ideas to analysis of style, tone, point of view, and more.

Themes
Plot Analysis
Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Motifs
Symbols
Genre
Style
Point of View
Tone
Foreshadowing
Key Facts
Where Are All the Women?

Quotes

Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of the play by reading these key quotes.

Important Quotes Explained

Quotes by Theme
Prospero’s Threats
Obedience and Disobedience
Treason
Wonder/admiration
Monstrosity

Quotes by Section
Act I, scene i
Act I, scene ii
Act I, scene ii (continued)
Act II, scene i
Act II, scene ii
Act III, scene i
Act III, scene ii
Act III, scene iii
Act IV, scene i
Act V, scene i & Epilogue

Quotes by Character
Prospero
Miranda
Caliban
Ariel
Gonzalo

Further Study

Test your knowledge of The Tempest with our quizzes and study questions, or go further with essays on the context and background and links to the best resources around the web.