When asked to find the “other” in The Tempest I admit I was stuck. I couldn’t think of who would fit the definition of a marginalized character. As I looked over the play again I found that Caliban would fit into the description. With Caliban’s plans and ventures it would seem like he would be considered a major character. Although looking at him he seems to be some-what sensitive monster that for whatever reason allows himself to be transformed in to a fool. This could be seen as Shakespeare marginalizing Caliban in order to have the other characters to shine.
Another “other” could be the lords that travel with Alonso, the King of Naples. For, they were really supporter characters for the King. Their roles were not big; they were conversation, and time taking characters.
After reading many different stories picking out the “other” is difficult because sometimes the marginalized characters are the ones we like the most. For example, in “The Lion King” a marginalized character is the monkey, Rafiki, but he is the one that introduces Simba to the other animals. He is also the one to convince Simba to return to Pride Rock and in the end shows some of his kung fu skills. He would be considered an “other” but without him the movie would be very different.
It is the same with “The Tempest” without the “other” pieces of the story wouldn’t make sense. It’s like having a chocolate covered peanut without the peanut or an egg without the yolk.
The other’s make up the play no matter how insignificant their role might be.
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