Prospero, Duke of Milan, more interested in his books and magic than his dukedom, finds his throne usurped by his brother Antonio and himself set adrift in a rotten boat with his daughter, Miranda. Marooned on an island full of magic, Prospero is served by the spirit Ariel, once imprisoned in a tree by the now-dead witch Sycorax, and by Caliban, a half-human creature, son to the witch.

The play begins twelve years later. Prospero discovers a ship sailing near the island that carries Antonio and Alonso, King of Naples, along with the king’s followers that include his son Ferdinand, his brother Sebastian, the honest counselor Gonzalo, and other lords and servants. Prospero summons a tempest to bring them all to shore safely, but in scattered groups about the island.

Stranded alone, Ferdinand is lulled by Ariel’s singing to meet with Miranda and the two fall instantly in love. Though pleased with the match, Prospero feigns displeasure, treating Ferdinand as a slave and setting him to menial tasks to ensure his love is worthy.

Alonso, Antonio, Sebastian and Gonzalo wander the island in search of Ferdinand. Antonio and Sebastian plot to murder Alonso, but Ariel thwarts their attempt. Prospero creates a magical, yet vanishing, banquet for the courtiers while Ariel torments them for their crimes.

Caliban meets Stephano, a drunken butler, and Trinculo, a jester. The three indulge in too much wine, vainly plotting to murder Prospero and to seize control of the island.

Satisfied with Ferdinand’s honourable intentions, Prospero arranges a wedding masque for the couple, only to be interrupted by the arrival of the others. Once Alonso is reunited with Ferdinand, and he and the others are faced with their crimes, all repent of their betrayal of Prospero. After freeing Ariel from his service, Prospero prepares to leave the island – and his magic – behind.