The Tempest

Text Guides

Character Analysis

Gonzalo

In my opinion, Gonzalo is not only absolutely hilarious, he is also a mirror which enables the audience to reflect on the morality and motivations of the other characters in the play. He’s the only honest character in the entire text and his kindness only amplifies the other characters’ lack of honesty. I mean, after Gonzalo spends his first few minutes on stage trying to cheer up poor old Alonso, Antonio and Sebastian literally plot to kill him while he’s sleeping.

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