Antonio

A present Duke of Milano, Antonio is the villainous usurper, guilty for Prospero’s exile. Knowing his elder brother’s love for books and studies, Antonio practically literally pushed the throne from under him. Prospero’s trust and reliance paid off badly: not being able to kill him and the two or three-year-old Miranda openly, Antonio sends them into exile in a rotten boat without any supplies. No wonder that Prospero’s major goal is to have his revenge and restore the justice. For twelve years Antonio had ruled Milano, not bothering about the fate of his brother and niece, considering them both dead. Now he is on this island and there is something for him to do: Sebastian, ambitious younger brother of Alonso, the King of Naples, wants to usurp his power much in the same way as Antonio once did. Antonio, faithful to his wicked nature, literally nudges him into killing Alonso, and their crude plan would have worked perfectly if not for intervention of Ariel, who awakened all others and thus saved the intended victim. No matter that the entire party had barely escaped death only hours ago; no matter that there is something wrong with their miraculous survival and this whole island; no matter that everyone except them is suddenly asleep; Antonio and Sebastian are noisy and mocking and plotting as usual.

Antonio’s character is straight and two-dimensional: he is a bad guy, who made it all happen. The character does not evolve, he does not show any remorse, he just utters threats, suggestions and witticisms, never caring for anyone, including Sebastian. Prospero pardons him, being glad about the resolution of all matters, but the reader can suggest that since now the villain will be watched closely, just in case, or, quite possibly, would be quickly sent to exile under a specious excuse.