Prospero's Influence

Prospero is able to control those around him with a magic possibly more powerful than that found in his cloak: his words. In the case of Miranda, his version of history is the only history she can recall. "I have done nothing but in care of thee, Of thee, my dear one—thee my daughter, who Art ignorant of what thou art, naught knowing Of whence I am, nor that I am more better Than Prospero, master of a full poor cell, And thy no greater father," Prospero claims to Miranda. He admits that Miranda is naive and knows nothing of her past, or even Prospero's, except for what Prospero informs her. Miranda then replies, More to know did never meddle with my thoughts," furthering the reader's conclusion that she can be molded by Prospero to believe anythig he desires. Later, when explaining to Miranda her past Prospero describes Miranda's uncle as dsloyal. "Your disloyal uncle—are you paying attention?" he asks. Prospero single-handedly tells Miranda here to distrust her uncle, without letting her form her own opinion. Prospero also continually reminds Miranda to pay attention, as though his words may  be more important to his own agenda, than to Miranda.
Even Ariel is vulnerable to Prospero's words, causing her to change her attitude from disagreeable to obedient in one swift change. "Once in a month recount what thou hast been, Which thou forget’st. This damned witch Sycorax, For mischiefs manifold and sorceries terrible,To enter human hearing, from Argier, Thou know’st, was banished. For one thing she did, They would not take her life. Is not this true?" Prospero tells her. Prospero continually reminds Ariel of how he rescued her, although it seems that Ariel cannot remember the detais herself.  Prospero always has a word or two up the sleeve of his magic cloak, in case those aroun dhim do not do his bidding.
In response to Caliban's belligerent attitude, Prospero once again retalliates with his rhetoric explaining how those around him owe him something. "Thou most lying slave...I have used thee, Filth as thou art, with human care, and lodged thee, In mine own cell till thou didst seek to violate, The honor of my child." Even Caliban, the most angered of all of Prospero's "helpers" gves in to Prospero's version of what occurred. Nothing seems to be able to stop Prospero's influence.
Finally, Prospero tells Ferdinand things to anger him, in order to manipulate the situation and help Miranda and Ferdinand fall in love. "One word more. I charge thee, That thou attend me. Thou dost here usurp, The name thou owest not, and hast put thyself, Upon this island as a spy to win it, From me, the lord on ’t," Prospero persuasively states. Frdinand plays right into the hands of Prospero without even realizing it, and quickly becomes angered. Additionally, Prospero's magical incantations further create people to act at his wll. Howeer, Prospero's words seem to work just as well as his magic to accomplish what he desires.