◆ History · c. 1599

Henry V

A once-wayward prince becomes England's warrior-king, uniting his nation before the climactic Battle of Agincourt.

Henry V begins at the English court, where the young king is persuaded that he has a claim to the throne of France. When the French dauphin, or heir apparent, insults him by sending him tennis balls, Henry launches his military expedition to France.

Before departing, Henry learns that three of his nobles have betrayed him, and he orders their execution. Meanwhile, his old tavern companions grieve over Sir John Falstaff's death, and then leave for France.

Henry and his army lay siege to the French town of Harfleur, which surrenders. The Princess of France, Katherine, starts to learn English, but the French nobles are sure of success against Henry. Instead, Henry's forces win a great victory at Agincourt.

After a brief return to England, Henry comes back to France to claim his rights and to set up his marriage to Princess Katherine. The play's epilogue points out that Henry will die young and that England will as a result lose most of his French territories.

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Henry V Characters

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CHORUSNarrator who bridges the gaps the stage cannot show
KING HENRY VThe warrior-king of England, invading France to press his claim
EXETERHenry's uncle and most trusted diplomat and commander
FLUELLENWelsh captain, punctilious about the ancient disciplines of war
PISTOLBraggart soldier and tavern companion of Henry's wild youth
BARDOLPHPistol's fellow soldier, hanged for looting a French church