WYW Character Q&A: Prospero

Magic, mystery, revenge and forgiveness. The notoriously spiky Prospero’s exploits have been generating column inches for years. Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation sat down with the man himself to get his side of the story...

Tell us your story in one sentence:
Hello, everyone! I’m Prospero, a wise and powerful sorcerer who was once the Duke of Milan, but after being betrayed by my brother, I find myself on a magical island in Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Who is your best friend?
My best friend is the spirit Ariel, who helps me with my magical endeavors on the island and remains loyal to me throughout our adventures.

Who is your worst enemy and why?
My worst enemy is my brother, Antonio, who betrayed me and took my dukedom, leaving me stranded on the island with my daughter, Miranda.

What was your favorite subject at school?
My favorite subject was alchemy because I’ve always been fascinated by the mysteries of the universe and the power that comes with magical knowledge.

What’s your favorite season?
My favorite season is spring, as it symbolises the renewal and transformation I experience on the island, ultimately leading to forgiveness and a new beginning.

If you could compare yourself to one famous person, who would it be?
I’d compare myself to Leonardo da Vinci. He was a polymath with an incredible range of talents and knowledge, including art, science, and philosophy, much like my own diverse skill set!

What’s your secret skill?
My secret skill is the ability to forgive and let go of past grievances; even though I’ve been wronged, I ultimately choose to set things right and move forward with a newfound wisdom.

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And that’s me, Prospero from The Tempest! I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little bit about my life. Remember, everyone has the power to change their own story and the world around them – all it takes is a little wisdom and a touch of magic.

You, too, have the power to create your own story for Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation's What You Will competition. Aged 8-25 and want your work showcased in London's West End?

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