Henry IV, Pt.2 characters

Appears from the start

The Earl of Northumberland, father of the fallen Hotspur and a leading nobleman of the rebellion against Henry IV. He waits anxiously for news of the battle at Shrewsbury, receiving hopeful rumors before the true result arrives.

Appears from the start

A supporter of Northumberland who first brings an inaccurate report that the rebels have defeated the king. His confidence briefly raises hopes that Hotspur survived and prevailed.

Appears from the start

A rebel messenger who reaches Northumberland with the true account of Shrewsbury: Hotspur is dead, Douglas and Worcester are defeated, and the royal forces remain strong.

Also known as Sir John Falstaff

First appears in chapter 2

Prince Hal's aging, witty companion, now famous for claiming credit at Shrewsbury. Burdened by debt and illness but still irrepressibly confident, he relies on his connection to the prince while sparring with royal authority and his creditors.

First appears in chapter 2

A young servant assigned to Falstaff by Prince Hal. Small and observant, he delivers messages and becomes a ready audience for his master's jokes and complaints.

Also known as Lord Chief Justice

First appears in chapter 2

England's highest judge, known for having once imprisoned Prince Hal for contempt of court. He confronts Falstaff over his conduct and refuses to let proximity to the heir excuse lawlessness.

Also known as Archbishop of York

First appears in chapter 3

A senior churchman leading the renewed northern rebellion. He and his allies frame their cause as a response to broken promises and political disorder under Henry IV.

Also known as Mistress Quickly

First appears in chapter 4

The proprietor of the Boar's Head tavern in Eastcheap. Exasperated by Falstaff's unpaid bills and unkept promises, she seeks legal help to recover what he owes while remaining emotionally attached to him.

Also known as Prince Hal, Prince of Wales

First appears in chapter 5

King Henry IV's eldest son and heir, recently distinguished in battle but still connected to his former tavern companions. He is conscious that public duty is separating him from the careless life Falstaff represents.

First appears in chapter 5

Prince Henry's companion, who joins him in disguising himself as a tavern servant to overhear Falstaff without being recognized.

Also known as Doll

First appears in chapter 7

A woman of the Eastcheap tavern circle who shares an affectionate, quarrelsome intimacy with Falstaff. Their exchanges expose a more vulnerable side of his swaggering public character.

Also known as Henry Bolingbroke

First appears in chapter 8

The weary King of England, troubled by civil rebellion, failing health, and uncertainty about the character of his heir. Sleepless and politically alert, he directs the response to enemies at home while hearing of threats abroad.

Also known as Justice Shallow

First appears in chapter 9

A Gloucestershire justice of the peace and former acquaintance of Falstaff. Proud of his youthful exploits and local importance, he helps select men for military service.

Also known as Justice Silence

First appears in chapter 9

Shallow's quieter fellow justice and kinsman in Gloucestershire. He accompanies the recruitment of soldiers and lets Shallow dominate their reminiscences.

Also known as Prince John of Lancaster

First appears in chapter 10

A younger son of Henry IV entrusted with royal command against the northern rebels. Unlike Prince Henry, he presents himself as restrained, formal, and wholly occupied with affairs of state.