List Of Characters

King Henry IV - the monarch of England, formerly known as Henry Bolingbroke, son of John of Gaunt. Having usurped the throne from Richard II, he now rules England in the face of severe civil strife. Though wracked by guilt for his past sins, he is a shrewd, capable leader.

Prince Hal (or Prince Henry, the Prince of Wales) - the kingÂ’s eldest son and the heir apparent to the throne. Hal first appears as a careless, fun-loving youth, but later on develops into a brave, responsible figure.

Prince John of Lancaster - Prince HalÂ’s younger brother, who carries out HalÂ’s duties during his period of waywardness. Like Henry IV, he is serious in nature and fights bravely at Shrewsbury.

The Earl of Westmoreland - a loyal member of the court. He serves as an advisor to the king and leads one of his armies at the final battle at Shrewsbury.

Sir Walter Blunt - an emissary to the king. He brings news of the recent wars to Henry. Later on, he tries to pacify matters between Hotspur and Henry. He dies a brave death on the battlefield when he is killed by Douglas, who mistakes him for the king.

Hotspur (or Henry Percy) - the chief rebel leader. Hotspur first appears as a hotheaded young man but slowly emerges as a worthy opponent to Hal and Henry. He is killed by Hal near the end of the play.

The Earl of Worcester (or Thomas Percy) - HotspurÂ’s uncle. Worcester is the main villain of the play. He incites Hotspur to rebel against the king and later causes his death by lying about the king's peace offer to his nephew. Henry sentences him to death for his actions.

Lady Percy (or Kate) - Hotspur's wife. She loves Hotspur and is disturbed by his recent activities.

Edmund Mortimer (or the Earl of March) - Lady Percy's brother and Hotspur's brother-in-law. Henry's refusal to ransom Mortimer after he has been defeated by Glendower in battle sets off the conflict between Hotspur and the king. Mortimer is married to Glendower's daughter.

Lady Mortimer - Mortimer's wife and the daughter of Glendower. She speaks only Welsh, while her husband speaks only English. The two appear in a comic scene together.

Owen Glendower - an enemy of the king from Wales. Glendower is MortimerÂ’s father-in-law and an ally of Hotspur in the rebellion. Chroniclers describe him as a magician. He fails to join Hotspur at the rebel camp in Shrewsbury, as he is delayed in collecting troops.

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