Returning from his daughter's marriage in Africa back to Naples, King Alonso's ship is attacked by a dreadful tempest which leaves them stranded on an unchartered island. Supposing that his son, Prince Ferdinand, has been drowned in the storm, the apparitions and mirages of the island confront Alonso with the memory of a sin from his past: when he and Duke Antonio of Milan conspired 12 years ago to usurp Antonio's brother, Prospero, from his dukedom in Milan. Antonio, meanwhile, has taken the shipwreck as an opportunity for further malice, and attempts to conspire with Alonso's brother, Sebastian. But none of the wrecked realize that Prospero - long thought dead - inhabits the strange island, and has raised the storm through his cultivation of magical arts to enact revenge on his enemies, restore his dukedom, and arrange for his daughter Miranda to marry Prince Ferdinand, whose drowning has only been an illusion of the storm.

With the help of his spirit/ servant Ariel, Prospero re-establishes himself as Duke of Milan, forgives his enemies, and foils the plans of his slave Caliban to overthrow him. With their ship restored, all plan to return to Milan and Naples, where Ferdinand and Miranda will serve as King and Queen over both states.