Act 3, Scene 2 of The Tempest by William Shakespeare includes several pivotal moments that influence future plots and contributes to the development of several characters and their desires. Particularly evident is the development of Stephano’s role in completing Caliban’s long desired dream of Prospero’s demise. Caliban, by inflating Stephano’s ego with compliments of his bravery and courageousness, leads Stephano to the idea of becoming the island’s king. Ariel, additionally, plays a role in this scene as his magical interventions are showcased once more and continue to play a role in the development of the characters. Furthermore, the personalities of the characters in this scene are emphasized and highlighted along with their relationships with one another.

This scene contributes to the development of the play so far in that it prompts a future storyline of Stephano attempting to become the king of the island. Caliban, who has become infatuated with Stephano, prompts him to agree to kill Prospero and take Miranda as his wife to become the king of the island. Stephano, who has been shown to possess a significant ego, takes Caliban’s compliments and praise and agrees to this proposition. Caliban’s hatred for Prospero has been shown throughout the play, as he has made threats and curses upon him such as: “A southwest blow on ye/And blister you all o’er” (1.2.325). This scene highlights his resentment once again as he tells Stephano and Trinculo of his misfortunes at the hand of Prospero as he states that Prospero “by his cunning hath cheated [him] of the island” (3.2.34-35). Throughout Caliban’s story he additionally showers Stephano in compliments of his bravery and courageousness as he refers to him as his “valiant master” (3.2.38) and states that Stephano is brave enough to defeat Prospero. Through these compliments Caliban is subtly encouraging Stephano and