Sympathy for Prospero

At first glance Prospero looks like a unlikeable individual. He keeps everyone on the island under his power, carrying out all of his deeds. He even keeps a controlling hand in all of his daughter's affairs. He denies his "servants" their freedom upon their requests, and at times is demeaning to them. It would be tough to develop any kind of sympathy for Prospero. It isn't until later in the Tempest we see Prospero is a character we can feel sympathy for. Not only does he release Alonso and his followers from the spell which he has placed, forgives Antonio, and we see how much he cares for his daughter as he claims he has lost her when he comes to terms with Ferndinad and Miranda's marriage. Prospero's last kind act is creating calming seas for Ariel to return. When all of this is done he gives up his magic. Prospero being able to give up everything in his life is what makes us able to sympathizes with him. We see him give up everything that used to be apart of him, and he did it all willingly. I think his turn around in the last parts of the Tempest makes it possible for us to sympathize for him.