Act 1 Scene 2

Prospero and his daughter, Miranda are seen looking out to sea. From their island, they witness the sinking of the ship. Miranda begs her father to help those aboard and he reassures her that none has come to harm. Propero then proceeds to tell Miranda of the past and how it is they came to live on the island.

Prospero was once the Duke of Milan. He became less interested in politics and more interested in studying sorcery. As a result, his brother, Antonio, saw an opportunity to create an insurrection. Together with the Alonso, King of Naples, they raised an army and drove Prospero from Milan. Father and daughter were exiled from Milan on a small boat. On board were a few supplies left by Gonzalo, a loyal courtier. Among them were Prospero's magical texts, which he has studied in all the years of their exile on the island. Good fortune had brought the nobles near so Propero could have his justice.

As Miranda falls asleep under a spell, Propero summon his magical servant, Ariel. Prospero had ordered Ariel to conjure the storm that brought the sailors close. Ariel, acting on Prospero's instructions, has saved the ship and charmed the sailors to sleep. The nobles, believing the ship destroyed, have been scattered about the island. Ferdinand, the King's son, is alone, as Prospero has asked.

When Prospero thanks Ariel, the servant reminds the sorcerer of his promise to release him. Angered, Prospero reminds Ariel of Sycorax, the witch and former ruler of the island who had imprisoned Ariel within a tree. It was Prospero who freed him and Prospero demands that he remain a servant, for the time being. Prospero then commands Ariel to take the form of a sea-nymph and remain invisible to all but himself.

Miranda awakens from her enchanted sleep thinking of the strangeness of her father's story. With her father, they go to see their other servant, Caliban, the son of the witch, Sycorax.

Caliban is a contrary character - simultaneously crude and eloquent. He curses when they appear. Prospero threatens him for his rudeness. Caliban answers that he was once the ruler of the island. Prospero reminds Caliban of all he has taught him, language included. Caliban counters that that is how he learned to curse. With more threats, Prospero sends Caliban to collect firewood. Caliban reluctantly obeys.

Ariel draws Ferdinand into the scene using enchanted music. Immediately, Miranda and Ferdinand are drawn to one another. Prospero is pleased to see their mutual affection, but decides to intervene. He accuses Ferdinand of lying to gain Miranda's grace. He also tells Miranda that the beautiful Ferdinand is like the ugly Caliban in the world of men, for which the young girl has no frame of reference. The insulted Ferdinand draws his sword, but is magically frozen by the sorcerer. Prospero 'imprisons' the prince. Prospero then thanks Ariel for his help and promises to set him free on the completion of his plan.

The Tempest - Plot