Antonio

fictional character, “The Tempest”

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June 18, 2026

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Antonio is a fictional character in William Shakespeare's play The Tempest. He is the usurping brother of Prospero, the rightful duke of Milan. Antonio, along with King Alonso of Naples, his son Ferdinand, and Sebastian, is shipwrecked on Prospero's enchanted island. Antonio is portrayed as ambitious and disloyal, having previously overthrown Prospero. Throughout the play, Antonio is involved in a plot with Sebastian to murder King Alonso and seize control of Naples. He remains unrepentant at the play's conclusion, unlike some other characters who reconcile with Prospero.1

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The Tempest
…Miranda, by his usurping brother, Antonio. Prospero, more interested in his books and his magic than in the pragmatics of ruling Milan, had left himself vulnerable to this overthrow. Arriving at an island, Prospero proceeded to make good use of his magic by freeing the sprite Ariel from the torment…
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…Miranda, by his usurping brother, Antonio. Prospero, more interested in his books and his magic than in the pragmatics of ruling Milan, had left himself vulnerable to this overthrow. Arriving at an island, Prospero proceeded to make good use of his magic by freeing the sprite Ariel from the torment…
Read More