LIVE PERFORMANCE

In the first years of the 15th century, England is in the middle of a civil war. Powerful rebels have assembled against King Henry IV in an attempt to overthrow him. They have just suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Shrewsbury, but several rebel leaders - including the Archbishop of York, Lord Mowbray, and Lord Hastings - remain alive and continue to wage war against the king. King Henry, ageing prematurely because of his anxiety over the war and over his oldest son, Prince Hal, has recently become very ill.

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King Henry IV
The ruling king of England. His health declines throughout the play, in part due to his anxiety about civil insurrection and the fate of his seemingly irresponsible son, Hal. He dies, never having fulfilled his dream of leading a company of soldiers to fight in the Crusades in Jerusalem.

Prince Hal
Only called "Hal" by Falstaff and his friends, the prince is also called Prince Henry, Harry, Prince Harry, Harry Monmouth, the Prince of Wales, and, after his father's death, King Henry V. His transformation from a youthful hell-raiser into the dignified King Henry V is one of the major psychological developments of the play.

Earl of Warwick
A noblemen who is King Henry IV's ally and advisor.

The Lord Chief Justice
The most powerful official of the law in England. Level-headed, calm, perceptive, and intelligent, he is a close advisor to King Henry IV. He also becomes an advisor and father figure for young Prince Hal after Henry IV's death.

Sir John Falstaff
Usually called Falstaff but sometimes called Jack. A fat, cheerful, witty, ageing criminal, he has long been Prince Hal's mentor and close friend. He pretended to have killed Hotspur at the Battle of Shrewsbury, and Prince Hal--the actual killer--agreed to go along with the lie. For this reason, everyone gives Falstaff much more respect than he deserves.

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