The audience feel slightly sympathetic for Prospero as he has
been usurped from the throne, however his desire for power
over the other characters and his speeches cause the
audience to dislike him.
Prospero's knowledge and use of magical powers prevent him from
feeling sympathetic. His obsession with these things cause him to
treat Ariel badly and keep him under his power for longer than
agreed. He also treats Caliban very badly and threatens him with
black magic whenever Caliban does not do as he says.
Miranda
Miranda comes across as an emotional, and sensitive character,
despite being slightly passive. She has an arranged marriage by
her father, Prospero and is almost seen as a prop throughout the
play, especially at the end when Propsero draws the curtain to
reveal her and Ferdinand playing chess.
However, in certain scenes of the play, the audience see a more active side to
Miranda, which makes her more difficult to grasp as a character. When Prospero
discusses Caliban's attempted rape on Miranda, she scolds Caliban for having an
attitude showing no remorse. "A thing most brutish". Miranda also declares her
love to Ferdinand and states "I am your wife, if you will marry me", yet another
moment where Miranda doesn't seem hesitant to express her emotions.
Caliban
Caliban is seen as an "abhorred slave" by the other characters, when in fact he
mirrors and parodies many characters in the play. His situation of having the island
taken from him, is like that of Prospero who has lost his throne in Milan. Caliban's
desire for power also mirrors Antonio's overthrowing of Prospero. Finally, Caliban's
plot with Stephano and Trinculo to murder Prospero is a mirror of Antonio and
Sebastian against Alonso.
Caliban could also be seen as a parallel to Ariel, Prospero's other servant.
Whilst Ariel is "an airy spirit", Caliban serves Prospero on earth. Ariel maintains
a good relationship and his dignity by obeying Prospero's commands, whereas
Caliban keeps his dignity by refusing to obey Prospero.
Caliban also becomes a parody of himself. Despite resenting Prospero for
keeping him as slave, Caliban then goes on to offer his services to Stephano
and Trinculo, who as usual view Caliban as a monster and a way to make
money.