Twelve years ago, Prospero, formerly the Duke of Milan, was usurped by Alonso, King of Naples, and Alonso’s brother, Sebastian and cast adrift with his three-year-old daughter, Miranda. They now live on an island. Before they were put to sea, Gonzalo, Prospero’s faithful courtier, ensured that he took his magic books with him, and on the island he has used his magic art to reign over the native Caliban and the spirit Ariel.
Desiring revenge, Prospero uses his powerful magic to cause a great storm which shipwrecks his enemies. On the island, the shipwrecked courtiers are separated from Ferdinand, the King’s son, and Alonso believes him drowned.
But Ferdinand has not drowned; he believes his father has perished in the tempest and meets Prospero and Miranda – with whom he falls in love. Prospero subjects Ferdinand to trials to test him.