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Ship gets caught in a Magical storm
Onboard, the ship is King Alonso of Naples who is heading home from his daughter’s wedding in Tunis. He is accompanied by his son Ferdinand, and his friends Sebastian, Antonio, and Gonzalo. As the storm worsens, the boatswain asks the noblemen to stay in their cabins out of harm’s way so the crew can keep the boat safe. Antonio and Sebastian curse the boatswain, who suggests they do some work or be quiet. The opening scene ends with cries of panic and prayer as the boat begins to sink. -
Miranda sees ship go down and is worried about the ships occupants
Miranda is worried for the "poor souls" on board. Prospero tells her the people on board are safe. He then tells her about the people that were on the ship. Twelve years earlier Prospero was the Duke of Milan and Miranda was a princess. His brother, Antonio, and the King of Naples sent the pair away on a rotting boat. The two found the island where Prospero learned more powerful magic. "He controls Ariel, a sprite, and Caliban, his servant and son of the witch Sycorax." -
Ariel finds Ferdinand to Miranda who falls in love with her
Ariel causes the storm and puts passengers safely on different parts of the island. She puts Ferdinand alone. Ariel asks for her freedom. Prospero agrees after two more days and asks Ariel to remain invisible to everyone. Prospero orders his slave Caliban to fetch more firewood. Caliban doesn't like his master but is afraid of Prospero's magic so he obeys. Ariel uses magical music to bring Ferdinand to Prospero. When Miranda sees him she thinks he's a spirit the two fall in love. -
Kings life is threatened
Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, and Gonzalo are on another part of the island. Alonso thinks his son is dead. Ariel plays solemn music which puts everyone asleep. Antonio says they should kill Alonso. With Ferdinand dead Sebastian would be next to rule Naples. They draw their swords planning to kill Alonso and Gonzalo as they sleep. Ariel returns and awakes up Gonzalo and the King. Sebastian and Antonio pretend their swords are drawn because they heard a noise like a "whole herd of lions". -
The ship’s jester and butler meet Caliban, and feed him alcohol
The ship’s jester and butler meet Caliban and feed him alcohol. Stephan, the ship’s butler, arrives, drinking and singing. He thinks the cloak hides a monster with four legs and feeds wine first into Caliban’s mouth and then Trinculo’s. Trinculo recognizes Stephano and the two dance about joyfully. Caliban praises Stephano and calls him a god. Miranda proposes marriage to Ferdinand and he accepts. -
Caliban suggests that they should kill Prospero, and Ariel overhears
Trinculo, Caliban, and Stephano are drunk and Caliban pledges his allegiance to Stephano. Ariel plays tricks and causes the three to argue. Caliban persuades Stephano that he should kill Prospero and become lord of the island. The plot is to approach Prospero during his afternoon nap and brain him after taking his books. Caliban says that Stephano could take Prospero’s beautiful daughter as his queen of the island. Ariel overhears this plan and declares that he will tell his master. -
Prospero uses magic to scare Alonso and spoil Caliban’s plot
Prospero prepares an imaginary banquet for them. Ariel appears as a harpy and accuses Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian of "being three men of sin". Prospero agrees that Ferdinand may take his daughter as his wife, but says they officially marry. Prospero asks Ariel to prepare a celebration for the couple. Ariel makes beautiful clothes appear to distract Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo. Hunters and a pack of spirits shaped like hounds chase them away. -
Prospero forgives his family for what they did
Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio cannot believe that Prospero is alive. Prospero confronts each of the men, in turn, reminds them of their sins, and then forgives them. Alonso is delighted when Prospero reveals that his son, Ferdinand, is alive and engaged to Miranda. Ariel disappears to magically repair the ship and fetch the crew. Prospero forgives Caliban and with a final request for calm seas and kind winds, he sets Ariel free. Prospero throws his staff and books in the sea.