# Sebastian — The Tempest character guide

> Sebastian in The Tempest by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Sebastian One, Sebastian Ay, Sebastian Sir, Sebastian Claribel, Sebastian Whiles, Sebastian Ha, Sebastian God

**First appearance:** 0000-the-tempest

## Snapshot

Alonso's caustic brother, whose running mockery of Gonzalo's optimism hides a colder ambition to seize the crown of Naples.

## Who they are

Sebastian is the King of Naples's younger brother, stranded with the court party on Prospero's island and quick to trade grief for gallows humor. He spars with Antonio in asides that turn Gonzalo's every comfort into a punchline, but the same wit curdles into conspiracy when the two men weigh a murder that would make Sebastian king. His sneering patience with other people's hope makes him the play's most unsettling audience member, always watching for the moment weakness offers an opening.

## Relationships

### [Gonzalo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/gonzalo)

_rivalry_

Gonzalo's optimistic loyalty to Alonso clashes with Sebastian's cynical ambition and plotting.

### [Alonso](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/alonso)

_family_

Alonso is Sebastian's brother and king, but Sebastian conspires to murder him for the throne.

### [Antonio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/antonio)

_rivalry_

Antonio, having usurped Prospero, now incites Sebastian to similarly betray and kill Alonso.

### [Miranda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/miranda)

_social_

Miranda has no direct relationship with Sebastian, only knowing him as a stranger shipwrecked on the island.

### [Adrian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/adrian)

_social_

Adrian is a minor lord who speaks optimistically about the island, drawing scorn from the cynical Sebastian.

### [Stephano](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/stephano)

_social_

Sebastian and Stephano are both part of the shipwrecked party but have no meaningful interaction.

### [Alonso](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/alonso)

_family_

Alonso is Sebastian's brother and king, but Sebastian conspires to murder him for the throne.

### [Gonzalo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/gonzalo)

_rivalry_

Gonzalo's optimistic loyalty to Alonso clashes with Sebastian's cynical ambition and plotting.

### [Miranda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/miranda)

_social_

Miranda has no direct relationship with Sebastian, only knowing him as a stranger shipwrecked on the island.

### [Stephano](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/stephano)

_social_

Sebastian and Stephano are both part of the shipwrecked party but have no meaningful interaction.

### [Antonio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/antonio)

_rivalry_

Antonio, having usurped Prospero, now incites Sebastian to similarly betray and kill Alonso.

### [Antonio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/antonio)

_rivalry_

Antonio, having usurped Prospero, now incites Sebastian to similarly betray and kill Alonso.

## In the story

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i)

Curses the Boatswain and expresses impatience and frustration during the storm.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-i)

Alonso's brother, who is persuaded by Antonio to plot Alonso's murder and seize the crown.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-iii)

Plots with Antonio to seize power, but is shaken by Ariel's accusation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters/sebastian
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tempest_se/characters