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King Henry IV
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In Shakespeare's Richard II Henry is a serious, determined to do the right thing young man. He never intended to depose King Richard II. But Richard's effete passiveness, incredibly stupid policies, and finally his surrender, forced Henry to act. At his coronation Henry was told that Civil War and constant unrest would be his reward for deposing Richard. Through an offhand remark Henry was responsible for Richard's murder. Regret for that act has weighed on his mind and health. He is in bad health at the beginning of the show. The responsibility and weight of being King has ruined him.
But he is a proud, smart, and very lonely man. He wants his son, Prince Hal, to be responsible and grow up.
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Prince Hal (Later King Henry V)
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Constantly at war between his two Fathers: The one his child self would love to have, Falstaff versus the one he loves, but doesn't fit with, Henry IV. When we first meet him he tells us that he will have to make a choice to give up his life with Falstaff. But even after he makes that decision he had regrets. The rejection of Falstaff has to be one of the most painful moments for this man. Hal is on a hero's journey but also a journey of maturity, as painful as that can be.
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Prince John of Lancaster
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Loyal dedicated younger son. As is typical in most cases the good son tends to be ignored. John is smart, dedicated, but relegated to being considered A Good Boy.
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Sir Walter Blunt
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Dedicated knight to Henry IV. This character is a compilation of about 8 or 9 other lords in the script.
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| Northumberland Family |
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Duke of Northumberland
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Ruthless, clever politician. Proud and determined to keep his power and authority. Devoted father of Hotspur. Worked hard for Henry IV to take the throne from Richard II. Now regrets that decision.
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Henry Percy (Hotspur)
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Every parents' dream. Motivated, strong successful, strong willed and determined. Tough, smart, experienced. He is in every way shape and form what Henry IV wishes his son Hal was. Hotspur is also a devoted husband and his scene with his wife shows playfulness and devotion. He worked as a teenager to remove Richard II from the throne. He is Hal's opposite in almost every way.
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Earl of Worcester
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Resents Henry IV's Treatment of the Northumberland Family. He's Hotspurs uncle. Very close to the Duke of Northunberland.
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Kate Percy
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Devoted young wife of Hotspur. When we first meet her she’s energetic and trying to get her husband to play. When she is widowed, she urges her father-in-law to end the war.
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Messenger
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Has the awful job of telling people things they don't want to hear.
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| Eastcheap |
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Sir John Falstaff
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Arguably one of the greatest contradictions and yet one of the greatest characters in all of Shakespeare. Lovable, yet selfish, loyal but cowardly, full of life yet dying. The paradoxes of this character are part of the fun the director and actor will need to explore. He genuinely loves Hal for nothing but the sake of loving him. He does hope that Hal becoming king will be to his benefit. His love of life and of its pleasures are offset by his fear of dying and being forgotten. He constantly needs to reassured that he is loved.
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Ned Poins
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Older professional soldier. Hal's best friend. Plans the main joke on Falstaff. Ned Poins' insights and thoughts help Hal realize how he is perceived by the common people, and how to change that perception.
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Pistol
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Follower of Falstaff. He's a thief, pickpocket, braggart, and something of a
wussy. Falstaff's mini-me without Falstaff's charm
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Bardolph
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Very loyal to Falstaff, but has an offbeat sense of humor.
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Gadshill
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Part of Falstaff's retinue.
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Mistress (Hostess) Quickly
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Owner of the Tavern. She tolerates Falstaff's cronies, but loves Falstaff and reveres Hal.
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Doll Tearsheet
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