Ariel is a spirit who is bound on the island to serve Prospero. This is because Prospero saved him from the imprisonment of the Sycorax. He was imprisoned for 12 years, during and after the Sycorax died. In the Tempest Ariel will be granted his freedom in a few days, if he continues to obey Prospero's orders exactly.
The origin of Ariel name is unknown, but there are similarities between him and the Ariel mentioned in the bible. Ariel in this context means 'Lion of the Lord'. Ariel is similar to many of the other spirit characters in Shakespeare's plays, like Puck in A Midsummer's Night's Dream. However, Ariel is different to these characters as he has a human side to him which most other spirit characters do not. He longs for freedom and so has a sense of individualism. Whereas characters like Puck who serves Oberon, doesn't question his place but accepts and enjoys it.
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