The Tempest: Acts 1 & 2

The first act of a Shakespeare play establishes exposition. We are generally introduced to the main plot, its central or important characters, the setting, major conflict, and so forth. In our case, The Tempest, the exposition is explained in Act 1, Scene 2. We have been introduced to all our major characters: Antonio, Prospero, Alonso, Gonzalo, Sebastian, Ariel, Caliban, Ferdinand and Miranda.

Act II complicates the plot as we get to know the villains of our play. Antonio (that wicked brother of Prospero) convinces Sebastian (brother to the king) to attempt regicide--they are stopped by Ariel, however, before such treachery can occur. In scene ii, too drunken fools Trinculo and Stefano meet Caliban and get him drunk. Caliban, thinking Stefano is a god for giving him 'firewater', convinces the two fools to kill Prospero (more treachery) and take over the rule of the island.

If you're keeping score:

• Prospero (the right ruler of Milan) is overthrown by his evil brother Antonio, and is exiled
• Prospero exacts his revenge by sinking the ship carrying his brother and the King of Naples, et al. 
• Prospero wants Miranda to fall in love and marry Ferdinand (the king's son), but forces him into "slavery" for a while until Miranda and he can confirm their honest love for each other. Nothing gets to a girl, guys, but making her sorry for you...or so Shakespeare seems to suggest
• Sebastian wants to overthrow Alonso (the King of Naples)
• Caliban wants to overthrow Prospero
• Ariel wants his freedom

HOMEWORK: Please finish reading Act II.