Prospero is the former Duke of Milan who uses magic to rule an island after his brother banished him twelve years ago. As a white colonizer, he exerts hostile authority over his slaves and seeks revenge against the noblemen who usurped his title. He is aggressive and protective, retaining deep resentment over his stolen lands while trying to force his enemies into submission.

Caliban is a black slave who believes he is the rightful ruler of the island, having inherited the land from his deceased mother, Sycorax. He deeply resents Prospero's colonization and refuses to adopt a subservient attitude. He actively seeks to start a violent revolution to reclaim his freedom and his home.

Ariel is a mulatto slave bound to serve Prospero. He possesses magical abilities, including shape-shifting, and uses them to execute Prospero's commands. He seeks his freedom through peaceful cooperation, appealing to his master's conscience rather than resorting to the violence favored by his fellow slave.

Miranda is Prospero’s daughter who has lived on the island since she was three years old. She obeys her father but possesses an independent sense of compassion and sensitivity. Her isolated upbringing leaves her unfamiliar with other humans, making her highly susceptible to the charms of the shipwrecked Ferdinand.

Alonso is the King of Naples who survives the island shipwreck. Twelve years earlier, he conspired with Antonio to steal Prospero's lands and title. He wanders the island disoriented and grief-stricken, mourning the presumed loss of his son while remaining blind to the treacherous plots brewing in his own ranks.

Ferdinand is the son of King Alonso and heir to the throne of Naples. He survives the shipwreck separately from the others and quickly encounters Miranda in the forest. Prospero forces him into physical servitude, a fate he accepts willingly due to his immediate infatuation with Miranda.

Gonzalo is a trusted counselor and advisor to King Alonso. He maintains an optimistic and humanist perspective, admiring the physical beauty of the island rather than complaining about the shipwreck. He respects the native environment and cautions his fellow Europeans against imposing their shortcomings on the local land.

Antonio is Prospero’s brother and the current Duke of Milan. He is a greedy, opportunistic nobleman who previously stole his brother's lands and orchestrated his banishment. Stranded on the island, he remains treacherous and quickly plots to murder King Alonso to increase his own political power.

Sebastian is King Alonso’s brother who travels with the royal party. He complains constantly about the wild nature of the island and lacks moral integrity. Weak-willed and easily influenced, he agrees to Antonio's treacherous plot for power but insists that Antonio commit the violent act himself.

Stephano is King Alonso’s butler who survives the shipwreck with a supply of alcohol. He is a heavy drinker with delusions of grandeur, quickly declaring himself king of the island when he assumes the royal party has drowned. He attempts a patronizing civilizing mission when he encounters Caliban.

Trinculo is King Alonso’s jester who survives the shipwreck. He possesses deep prejudices, viewing the island residents as commodities to exploit for profit at European carnivals. He bickers constantly with Stephano over who gets to hold power in their new situation.

Eshu is a Yoruban trickster god who interrupts the gathering of classical deities on the island. He delights in causing disruption and singing crude songs that scandalize the other attendees. His sudden appearance forcefully introduces non-Western mythology into the colonizers' orderly celebration.

The Boatswain commands the ship carrying the European nobles. During the storm, he prioritizes practical survival over social hierarchy, boldly demanding that the aristocrats return below deck so the sailors can work.