Suffering develops the individual. Without suffering, we are all just people with happy lives. This concept is portrayed in William Shakespeare's The Tempest. Prospero was brutally robbed of his dukedom and raises his daughter, Miranda, on an island void of suffering (in essence). The difference between these two characters develops Shakespeare's opinion of suffering. Suffering drives Prospero to all of his actions. He is constantly seeking for justification of his suffering, and he is much less content. Miranda is content to live simply. Her only drive to action is in search of more happiness.

Suffering is the only thing that leaves us room to be redeemed. This may be why God allows suffering.