Henry V

Henry V’s father Bolingbroke (Henry IV) was never able to rule comfortably because he had usurped Richard II. On his succession King Henry V is determined to prove his right to rule, including over France. An ambassador arrives from the French Dauphin with a provocative gift of tennis balls. Henry responds by preparing to invade France. Three of the king’s friends, Scroop, Cambridge and Grey, are discovered to be plotting against him and he condemns them to death. Pistol, Nym, and Bardolph, the companions of Henry’s dissolute days in London, join the king’s forces and set off for the wars. The news comes of Sir John Falstaff’s death.

The English take the town of Harfleur and the king moves on towards Calais. The two armies prepare for battle near Agincourt. The night before the battle the king visits his troops in disguise. The French numbers are superior but Henry inspires his troops with a powerful patriotic speech. The battle begins and the French are defeated, with heavy losses, whereas the English losses are light. Henry returns to London in triumph before making peace with the French king. Henry woos the French Princess Katherine and their marriage links England and France.

Characters

King Henry, the Fifth
Duke of Gloucester,
Duke of Bedford, brothers to the king
Duke of Exeter, uncle to the king
Duke of York, cousin to the king
Earl of Salisbury
Earl of Westmoreland
Earl of Warwick
Bishop of Canterbury
Bishop of Ely
Earl of Cambridge
Lord Scroop
Sir Thomas Grey
Sir Thomas Erpingham
Gower,
Fluellen,
Macmorris,
Jamy, officers in King Henry’s army
Bates,
Court,
Williams, soldiers in the same
Pistol
Nym
Bardolph
Boy
A herald
Charles, the Sixth, king of France
Lewis, the Dauphin
Duke of Burgundy
Duke of Orleans
Duke of Bourbon
The Constable of France
Rambures, Grandpre, French lords
Governor of Harfleur
Montjoy, a French herald
Ambassadors to the king of England
Isabel, queen of France
Katharine, daughter to Charles and Isabel
Alice, a lady attending on her

Hostess of a tavern in Eastcheap formerly Mistress Quickly, and now married to Pistol.

Lords, Ladies, officers, soldiers, citizens, messengers, and attendants. Chorus.