Sebastian is an evil man but his evil seems to derive more from Antonio than from any personal predisposition towards sinfulness . But if we compare the two then Antonio seems to be more villainous. Discuss the above statement within 1000-1500 words, citing relevant references from *The* *Tempest*.
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Antonio is the most wicked and hateful character in the play. He does evil without remorse or sense of any guilt. He does not regret his deeds towards his brother Prospero. He is loyal to none. He even plots to kill Alonso and instigates Sebastian against him. Prospero calls him “Perfidious”, a “false uncle” while narrating his tale to Miranda. Antonio betrayed Prospero’s trust in him and usurped his dukedom. He cruelly put his brother and his three-year-old daughter in a deserted ship and left them at the mercy of the sea-god. He was not guilty or ashamed; instead boasts to Sebastian later : “And look how well my garments sit upon me. Much feater than before.” Antonio speaks ill about Gonzalo and calls him a talkative person. He instigates Sebastian to kill Alonso so that, he would be free from the tribute he has to pay to Alonso. He forgets all the help Alonso had extended to him in order to remove Prospero from Milan. He laughs at Gonzalo for his loyalty and is ready to kill him and the King of Naples in their sleep. Prospero in the end remarks about Antonio— “For you wicked Sir, Whom to call a brother Would even infect my mouth.” Thus,