CONFLICT

The conflict of the play is largely between Prospero and Antonio. Antonio betrayed his brother and left him to die. Now Prospero, having lived and thrived, seeks to bring his brother to repentance and undo the damage caused twelve years earlier. Lesser conflicts are the plots against Alonso by Sebastian and Antonio, and the plot against Prospero by Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano.

Protagonist

Prospero is the protagonist of the main plot of the play. He has been cheated by his brother Antonio, who unlawfully usurped the dukedom from him twelve years before the start of the play. Now Prospero has the chance to undo the wrongs done to him since his rivals have been brought to his enchanted island.

Antagonist

Alonso (the King of Naples), Sebastian (Alonso's brother), and Antonio (Prospero's brother) are all antagonists. They are together called "the three men of sin" in the play, because they have in one way or another contrived to overthrow authority and claim it for themselves. Of the three, Antonio is the most culpable and the one who refuses to repent.

Climax

The climax occurs when Prospero and Ariel reveal to the royal party their knowledge of all the conspiracies and connivances. The guilty plotters are terrified and stunned, unable to move or speak effectively. They are brought to immediate repentance.

Outcome

The play ends in comedy when Prospero reveals himself, forgives his rivals, and reunites families and kingdoms, restoring the court to its rightful order.

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