Ariel is a mischievous and ambitious spirit helper, able to traverse the length of the island in an instant and to change shapes at will. He carriers out virtually every task that Prospero needs accomplished in the play, and we learn that it was in fact Prospero and Ariel, who were responsible for the storm in Act one, scene one. Flying about the ship, Ariel acted as the wind, the thunder, and the lightning. When everyone except the crew had abandoned the ship, Ariel made sure, as Prospero had requested, that all were brought safely to shore but dispersed around the island. In this sense, although Prospero has control of most of the power and people in the play, it is indeed Ariel who carries out his orders. Ariel regards his service to Prospero with cooperation and obedience, however, after completing his latest task, he reminds Prospero of his promise to take one year off his agreed time of servitude if Ariel performs his services without complaint. Prospero chastises Ariel for is impudence, and Ariel agrees to "do my spiriting gently" (1.2.299).
             If The Tempest is a play concerned with power and its various forms, then Prospero is the central figure, who controls events throughout the play, through magic and manipulation. His history of Sycorax illustrates how he maintains his power by controlling those around him. For instance, Prospero treats Ariel in an almost animal-like manner, whom he can praise and blame as he wishes, but she is also his pupil, who he demands to recite answers to questions about the past that Prospero has taught him. Although Ariel must know the story well, Prospero says that he must "once in a month recount what thou hast been" (1.2.262) to ensure that Ariel's erratic nature does not cause him to become disloyal. Prospero forces Ariel to recall the agony he suffered while trapped in the pine tree, in which "thy groans Did make wolves howl and penetrate the breasts Of ever-angry...