After being stranded on an island for many years, Prospero – magician and usurped Duke of Milan – hatches a plan to return his daughter Miranda to her rightful place in the world. Aided by the reluctant spirt Ariel, Prospero creates a storm to shipwreck his enemies on his island. With help from his allies (and hindrances coming from several other directions), Prospero struggles to magically manifest a happy ending for all.