It tells the story of the sorcerer Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan, who lives on a remote island with his young daughter Miranda, the spirit Ariel and the deformed monster Caliban. After twelve years of exile, Prospero raises a tempest to shipwreck his usurping brother Antonio and his fellow conspirators (including Alonso, King of Naples) on the island. He then uses illusions and spells to test their characters and bring about retribution and reconciliation.
The Tempest deals with a variety of themes, including power, revenge, the importance of forgiveness and human nature.