THE CHARACTERS

Alonso : King of Naples. Older, believes his son has drowned in the storm, now reflecting on his past mistakes, feeling grief and guilt, and emptiness.

Sebastian : His younger brother, jealous, frustrated, ambitious, lives in the shadows as second-in-line to the throne, and susceptible to a dark plot. Sharp-witted and cynical.

Prospero : The right Duke of Milan. An older playwright, writing his last play, working out the themes in his own life, which are now acted out in his imagination. He has a secret illness which is troubling him. A third of the play’s total lines are Prospero’s. Some subtle mood contrasts, and powerful speeches.

Antonio : Prospero’s younger brother, the usurping Duke of Milan. Having committed the ultimate crime, has lost his conscience, now seeks to drive Sebastian to the same end. A destructive wit. Can this scheming villain be truly forgiven?

Ferdinand : son to the King of Naples. Young, but with enough experience of the world, in genuine grief at the loss of his father, believed drowned. Has courage and patience.

Gonzalo : an honest old councillor. A utopian, finds the best in everyone and each situation. His gentle idealism is ridiculed by the cynics, but is no fool, and is surprisingly resilient. 

Adrian : ) Lords. Courtiers of Alonso. Good parts for those looking

Francisco : ) for fewer lines to learn, or less rehearsal commitment, but the opportunity to influence the interactions and mood.

Caliban :  A savage and deformed slave. Diseased - blistered, spotted, scarred. Rancorous and a creature of appetite, but with a painful sensitivity to music and language. Having betrayed Prospero’s trust, and being punished, he is still capable of responding to kindness. On another level he is Prospero’s dark alter ego, the disease he is battling within him.

Trinculo : A jester. Frivolous, opportunistic, easily distracted, easily led, with a potential wasted, an intelligence mis-applied and energy dissipated.

Stephano : A drunken butler, with propensity for serious harm. Sees himself as a leader, and probably would have been in a freer society. In the absence of importance, has turned to the bottle and will turn others to it. A profoundly anti-social man, who convinces the weak-minded that he is worth following. A Prospero as he might have become, if without fortune?

Master : of a ship. Just the storm scene. This could be played by Prospero, to start the play, and show his dual role as playwright and actor!

Botswain : No-nonsense, tough mariner, professional and not deferential to his lordly passengers. Further appearance in Act V.

Mariners : The storm scene must be very busy with frantic attempts to save the ship. Mariners may double as dancers, spirits in the masque.

Miranda : daughter to Prospero. Having been taught and nurtured in a sheltered childhood, now encounters the adult world and falls in love at first sight with Ferdinand. Naivety,or just guileless? Best played not mildly obedient, but feisty, intelligent and direct.

Ariel : an airy spirit. Prospero’s lighter-side alter ego, his inspiration and imagination in action. There is tension with Prospero, who holds Ariel to his purpose for a time, but doesn’t own him/her , and s/he is finally freed. Played by female actors in the 18^th century. Needs enhanced movement – working towards your own Ariel style, and a good singing voice.

Iris : ) spirits in the masque. Ornate verse, figures from classical

Ceres :  ) myth. Do you want to be a goddess for the week!?

Juno : )  Good potential, in one scene only, for interaction within a strong female group – a sorority –above the small business of all humankind.

Nymphs : ) Dancers, to celebrate a marriage, harvest and fertility.

Reapers :  ) May double as mariners in the storm scene

The play will be in costume of Shakespeare’s period. If you want to find out any more, please ring me on 01323 460091.

Lawry Rhodes, Director