The Tempest character ARIEL is a spirit of the air, who is enslaved by Prospero, the protagonist of the play. ARIEL is a mischievous and clever spirit who is eager to please his master. Prospero is a powerful sorcerer and the rightful Duke of Milan, who has been exiled to an island with his daughter Miranda. He uses his magical powers to manipulate the other characters in the play and ultimately bring about his own redemption.