# King of France — All’s Well That Ends Well character guide

> King of France in All’s Well That Ends Well by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** King, King Plutus

**First appearance:** 0001-act-i

## Who they are

A monarch who has abandoned his physicians and waits to die, until a dead man's daughter offers him a cure.

## Relationships

### [Bertram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/bertram)

_professional_

Bertram is a young nobleman under the King's authority, who commands him to marry Helena, creating tension.

### [Helena](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/helena)

_professional_

Helena cures the King of his illness, earning his gratitude and his command that Bertram marry her.

### [Lafeu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/lafeu)

_friendship_

The King and Lafeu are old friends and trusted advisors, sharing mutual respect and loyalty.

### [Diana](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/diana)

_professional_

Diana appeals to the King for justice after Bertram's betrayal, and he supports her cause.

### [Gentleman A Stranger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/gentleman_a_stranger)

_social_

A stranger who reports to or interacts with the King, serving as a minor courtly figure.

### [Helena](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/helena)

_professional_

Helena cures the King of his illness, earning his gratitude and his command that Bertram marry her.

### [Bertram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/bertram)

_professional_

Bertram is a young nobleman under the King's authority, who commands him to marry Helena, creating tension.

### [Lafeu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/lafeu)

_friendship_

The King and Lafeu are old friends and trusted advisors, sharing mutual respect and loyalty.

### [Helena](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/helena)

_professional_

Helena cures the King of his illness, earning his gratitude and his command that Bertram marry her.

### [Lafeu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/lafeu)

_friendship_

The King and Lafeu are old friends and trusted advisors, sharing mutual respect and loyalty.

### [Gentleman A Stranger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/gentleman_a_stranger)

_social_

A stranger who reports to or interacts with the King, serving as a minor courtly figure.

### [Gentleman A Stranger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/gentleman_a_stranger)

_social_

A stranger who reports to or interacts with the King, serving as a minor courtly figure.

## In the story

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i)

Mentioned as being ill with a fistula and having abandoned his physicians.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/chapters/act-i-scene-ii)

The King discusses the Florentine war, denies aid to Florence, and reflects on his own failing health and the virtues of Bertram's father.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-i)

Suffering from a malignant illness, he initially dismisses Helena's offer of a cure but is persuaded by her confidence and agrees to let her try.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iii)

Commands Bertram to marry Helena, arguing that virtue and deeds, not birth, define honor.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iii)

Forgives Bertram, arranges a new marriage, recognizes Helena's ring, and orders Bertram seized upon Diana's accusation.

### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iii)

The King delivers the epilogue, speaking directly to the audience as a humble beggar for their favor.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters/king_of_france
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/characters