Henry V characters

Also known as King Henry V, Harry

First appears in chapter 2

The young king of England, formerly known for an unruly youth but now intent on governing with discipline. He asks church leaders to establish whether he has a lawful hereditary claim to the French crown before choosing war.

First appears in chapter 2

The senior English churchman who explains the legal and genealogical case for Henry's claim in France. He also hopes that supporting the king's campaign will protect church property from a proposed parliamentary seizure.

First appears in chapter 3

Henry's uncle and a trusted English nobleman. He supports the French claim and serves as the king's senior messenger and representative during the campaign.

First appears in chapter 4

The son of the French king and Henry's confident rival. He treats the English claim lightly and sends Henry a mocking gift intended to recall the new king's irresponsible youth.

First appears in chapter 6

An argumentative former soldier from Henry's youthful circle. Hoping to profit from the war in France, he quarrels with Nym and serves under Captain Fluellen.

First appears in chapter 6

A soldier and former companion of Pistol and Bardolph. He resents Pistol's marriage to the Hostess and joins the expedition to France despite the hostility between them.

First appears in chapter 6

A red-faced former companion of Henry who enlists for the French campaign with Pistol and Nym. His old familiarity with the king offers him no exemption from the army's laws.

Also known as Mistress Quickly

First appears in chapter 6

The London innkeeper now married to Pistol. She tries to settle the quarrel among the departing soldiers and tends the dying Falstaff before the army sails.

First appears in chapter 8

An English nobleman and close companion of Henry who joins a plot against the king shortly before the invasion. Henry regards his apparent loyalty as especially trustworthy.

First appears in chapter 11

A Welsh captain in Henry's army, proud of military learning, discipline, and his national identity. He supervises operations at Harfleur and expects soldiers of every rank to obey the law.

Also known as Princess Katherine

First appears in chapter 13

The daughter of the French king. Curious about the language of England, she asks her attendant Alice to teach her basic English words while the war develops beyond the court.

First appears in chapter 13

Katherine's attendant, who has spent time in England and gives the princess an informal lesson in English. She accompanies Katherine at the French court.

First appears in chapter 17

A French herald who carries formal messages between the armies. He repeatedly communicates demands and assessments without sharing the Dauphin's mockery of Henry.

First appears in chapter 19

An English soldier in the depleted army before Agincourt. Speaking to a disguised Henry, he questions how much responsibility a king bears for the deaths of subjects who fight at his command.