The cast of Henry IV, Part 1
The people who make Henry IV, Part 1 move — what they want, who they love, who they hate, and how each one fits the story. Tap any name to read more.
Prince Henry (Hal)
Heir to England; a prince learning kingship through disguise, discipline, and redemption · 16–17
Sir John Falstaff
Comic knight and corruptor of youth; witty philosopher of appetite and survival · fifty, or, by'r lady, inclining to three score
Henry Percy (Hotspur)
Hot-blooded rebel warrior, idealist of honor, tragic foil to Prince Hal · Young (roughly Hal's age, late teens/early twenties)
Ned Poins
Witty schemer and architect of the Gads Hill robbery; Prince Hal's clever companion
Earl of Worcester
Political conspirator and architect of the rebellion against King Henry IV
King Henry IV
Aging usurper haunted by guilt, struggling to maintain power against rebellion · Middle-aged to elderly
Hostess (Mistress Quickly)
Tavern keeper and reluctant peacemaker; voice of common sense amid chaos
Owen Glendower
Welsh rebel lord; mystic and seer claiming supernatural power
Earl of Douglas
Scottish warrior and rebel ally; fierce combatant driven by honor and martial pride · Adult warrior (unspecified)
Bardolph
Comic soldier and tavern companion; Falstaff's red-faced friend and follower
Gadshill
Professional criminal and facilitator of the Gads Hill robbery
Lady Percy (Kate)
Hotspur's devoted and witty wife; voice of reason against the pull of war and honor · Young, married
Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March
Tragic lover and rebel lord, caught between Welsh magic and English politics · Young nobleman
Francis
Tavern drawer; a young serving-man caught between duty and friendship · Young; appears to have served five years at the tavern
Sir Richard Vernon
Rebel knight and voice of moral clarity; observer and messenger between warring camps
Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland
Aging rebel lord whose sickness fractures the revolt · 60s
Sir Walter Blunt
The king's loyal knight and messenger; a man of honor caught between diplomacy and war
Earl of Westmoreland
Loyal counselor and soldier; voice of reason in the king's court
First Carrier
Weary innkeeper's servant; voice of ordinary complaint
Peto
Minor thief and soldier; accomplice to Falstaff and the Prince
Chamberlain
Inn servant and accomplice to highway robbery
Messenger
Bearer of urgent news between the rebel camp and court
Second Carrier
Weary innkeeper's servant complaining about poor conditions
Hear every line of Henry IV, Part 1, narrated.
