Many aspects of Shakespeare's The Tempest help categorize it as a classic Shakespearean comedy. For one, the play entirely fulfills the overall nature of plays of its kind. There is a guideline that specifies that most Shakespearean comedies include characters that fall in love in the first act, and by the last they are united forever. In the first act of The Tempest, Ferdinand meets and falls in love instantly with Prospero's daughter Miranda, and she does the same, and by the end they are joined by a marriage ceremony magically created by Prospero and his sprites. But before then, Prospero makes Ferdinand "earn" his daughter. The barrier discussed as sometimes being present between two lovers in Shakespearean Comedy is exemplified here when Prospero punishes Ferdinand by making him haul logs across the island. He is busy all day doing this labor, and this way Prospero physically keeps them apart until he feels the time is right.
Additionally, the role of the Comedic Individual is met through the character of Prospero. As protagonist, he is partially at fault for his banishment onto the isolated island. While he was Duke of Milan, he focused too much on his books of magic, so much that he was unaware of his brother's plan to take him out of power. His brother, Antonio, was given too much power and he convinced all of Prospero's followers and magistrates to betray their leader. Prospero was then banished to the island for twelve years. When his sworn enemies arrive at the island, he follows the Shakespearean guideline of not losing control, and he never physically harms any of them. Then the Comic Solution is elaborated. He restores his position as Duke after presenting himself in front of his enemies and revealing to them the reasons for his actions. By the end of the play, he drowns his book and buries his staff, swearing never to use magic again in the hopes to be able to rule with his full potential as Duke of Milan. He therefore destroys his deception and the one thing that held him back from staying in power.
