What role does the sea storm play in the development of the plot in the tempest?
Answers
In The Tempest, the storm at sea serves as the plot's inciting event. The storm washes Prospero's enemies onto the island's shore, placing them at his mercy. He controls the island, and by forcing them to face him on his own turf, Prospero claims an automatic advantage over King Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian. Since they are in his domain, he can call upon the island's spirits to manipulate them, revealing the treacherous natures of Antonia and Sebastian while also convicting the men of their role in his exile. Without the storm, these men would never have fallen into Prospero's clutches. He calls up the storm because he recognizes the opportunity to finally attain his long-desired revenge.
At the same time, the storm also sets another series of events in motion, albeit one that was not predicted by Prospero. Ferdinand is also washed ashore, whereupon he meets Miranda, Prospero's daughter. The two fall in love. After Ferdinand proves his worthiness to Prospero, the enchanter gives them his blessing.
Ferdinand, the king, and Prospero's enemies are not the only people to reach the island via the storm. Trinculo and Stephano, the king's respective jester and butler, end up on the island as well. They meet Caliban, who believes they are powerful enough to overthrow the enchanter. Their plan is ultimately a failure. Caliban regains control of the island, but not because of Trinculo and Stephano, but rather because Prospero is pardoned by the king and returns to Naples. None of these events would have happened without Prospero's storm.