A LEVEL: Eng.Literature, Antonio's Profile for 'The Tempest'

Antonio

Brother of Prospero, usurping Duke of Milan. Power-hungry. 

Quickly shows his true colours when he persuades Sebastian to make an attempt on Alonso’s (Sebastian’s brother) life in Act 2 Scene 1, and shows his chaotic streak, as he had no vested interest in the death of Alonso. 
He is a selfish schemer, the least moral character who seems to feel no guilt or remorse about his actions. Perhaps seen as one of the two main antagonists alongside Caliban. His lines are dripping with sarcasm, and remote. 


Moment of note: his silence when offered forgiveness for his actions by Prospero. 

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Quotes:

• Pg55 lines 104/105: ‘my strong imagination sees a crown // dropping upon thy head’ 
• Emotive, persuasive language. Scheming, exploiting openness/ambition of Sebastian, like an advert for murder 

• Pg57 lines 222-224: ‘Ebbing men, indeed, // Most often do so near the bottom run// by their own fear, or sloth.’ 
• A passive threat towards Sebastian, mask for causing chaos in the play- schemer. Blame game 

• Pg61 line 269: ‘And look how well the garments sit upon me.’ 
• Rhythm analysis. Benefits of deceit and betrayal lack of conscience. 

• Pg61 line 274/275: ‘But I feel not// This deity in my bosom’ 
• Complete lack of guilt or remorse, as if mocking religion perhaps- dangerous as society was still church-orientated. 

• Pg63 lines 312/313: ‘Sure it was the roar // Of a whole herd of lions.’ 
• Lions= brave, true leaders. Opposite of Antonio, roar represents anger at his dishonest position. 

• Lack of reply: Pg133 lines 131/132: ‘I do forgive// Thy rankest faults – all of them-‘ 
• He shows no guilt. We never find out if he gives Milan back to Prospero.

• Pg141 line 264/265: ‘One of them// Is a plain fish, and no doubt very marketable.’ 
• Judgement based on appearance, his brother (supposedly) was only cruel once Caliban disobeyed. Colonization