Gonzalo is an older counselor who is faithful to Antonio. He is a person of good character. When Antonio ousted Prospero as Duke of Milan and decreed he and Miranda be set out to sea in a boat, Gonzalo was put in charge of sending them off. He was thoughtful enough to make sure Prospero was supplied with books and other items that were important to him beyond the mere necessities of life. As Prospero explains:
By Providence divine.Some food we had, and some fresh water, thatA noble Neapolitan, Gonzalo,Out of his charity, being then appointedMaster of this design, did give us, withRich garments, linens, stuffs, and necessaries,Which since have steaded much. So, of his gentleness,Knowing I loved my books, he furnished meFrom mine own library with volumes thatI prize above my dukedom.
Prospero says that the supplies Gonzalo provided have helped ("steaded") him greatly and also praises Gonzalo's "gentleness." Gonzalo shows himself during the play to be a compassionate and hopeful person.
Sebastian, Alonso's brother, is another story. Just as Antonio usurped his brother's throne, so Sebastian wants to take Alonso's place as King of Naples. Sebastian is an evil individual with a low-minded, unforgiving nature. He is easily influenced by the evil Antonio into hoping to murder his brother so that he can become king.
Sebastian is Alonso's brother, who helped Antonio take Prospero's title of Duke of Milan before being shipwrecked on the magical island. Sebastian is also interested in usurping Alonso's title and is portrayed as a treacherous, malevolent individual like Antonio. Sebastian is also a mean-spirited person with a rather negative view of life who learns nothing by the end of the play and reveals a lack of remorse for plotting against his own brother. In contrast, Gonzalo is portrayed as a generous, compassionate, trustworthy man who is loyal to both Alonso and Prospero. Gonzalo showed mercy on Prospero and Miranda by giving them supplies when they were set adrift from Italy, which is something Prospero never forgets. In addition to Gonzalo's compassionate nature, he is also an optimistic man with a positive outlook on life who wishes to one day live in a utopian society.
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