A real character: Is Prospero Shakespeare?

Many people reckon The Tempest's island sorcerer formerly known as the Duke of Milan was actually a self-portrait of the playwright. What do you reckon?

In this article I'll be considering the links between Shakespeare and his character, Prospero. But before we begin, would you be able to help me in a small literary investigation? Before you read any further could you skip down to the comments section and say whether or not you identify/identified Prospero with Shakespeare when you read the play?

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