Chivalry · Character

Queen Philippa

The plump, shrewd queen who holds England together while her husband overruns France, and who will not recall him even to save the kingdom.

supporting

Also known as plump Queen Philippa, Philippa

First appearance: i the story of the sestina

As a supporting figure in Chivalry, Queen Philippa is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Appears as one of the queens in the dizain, embodying aspects of queenship and sacrifice.

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See Queen Philippa in Chivalry Book page

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With King David's Scots ravaging the north and the island defenceless, Philippa faces lords shouting for a ship to entreat Sire Edward's return, and answers them with the flat question of who commands here. She knows her husband has always had a fancy to conquer France, and she will not vex him with disappointment even at the cost of being butchered, choosing instead to let John Copeland's lute and her own nerve steady the room. Her stubborn, unthrifty love, set against Catherine de Salisbury's cool self-interest, drives the tale's central examination of what a queen's affection costs a nation.

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The fuller portrait of Queen Philippa sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Queen Philippa in i the story of the sestina

Character Web

38 connections

A slice of how Queen Philippa sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central Chivalric Figures
Protagonist
Minor Knights and Ladies

+33 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Jehane and Ant…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Osmund Heleigh
professional · positive
Osmund Heleigh serves as Queen Philippa's trusted advisor and steward, handling her… How this plays out →
Edward Maudelain
friendship · positive
John Copeland
professional · positive
Rosamund Eastney
friendship · positive
Marquess of Hastings
social · ambivalent
Osmund Heleigh
professional · positive
Osmund Heleigh serves as Queen Philippa's trusted advisor and steward, handling her… How this plays out →
Edward Maudelain
friendship · positive
Rosamund Eastney
friendship · positive
Marquess of Hastings
social · ambivalent
Marquess of Hastings
social · ambivalent
Rosamund Eastney
friendship · positive
John Copeland
professional · positive

Osmund Heleigh
Osmund Heleigh serves as Queen Philippa's trusted advisor and steward, handling her affairs with competence and loyalty.
Edward Maudelain
Edward Maudelain is a close confidant and friend to Queen Philippa, offering her counsel and emotional support in court intrigues.
John Copeland
John Copeland holds a formal but respectful professional relationship with Queen Philippa, often acting as her military liaison.
Rosamund Eastney
Queen Philippa treats Rosamund Eastney as a beloved lady-in-waiting and confidante, sharing secrets and personal concerns.
Marquess of Hastings
The Marquess of Hastings is a courtier who maintains a polite but distant social relationship with Queen Philippa, attending formal events.
Osmund Heleigh
Osmund Heleigh serves as Queen Philippa's trusted advisor and steward, handling her affairs with competence and loyalty.
Edward Maudelain
Edward Maudelain is a close confidant and friend to Queen Philippa, offering her counsel and emotional support in court intrigues.
Rosamund Eastney
Queen Philippa treats Rosamund Eastney as a beloved lady-in-waiting and confidante, sharing secrets and personal concerns.
Marquess of Hastings
The Marquess of Hastings is a courtier who maintains a polite but distant social relationship with Queen Philippa, attending formal events.
Marquess of Hastings
The Marquess of Hastings is a courtier who maintains a polite but distant social relationship with Queen Philippa, attending formal events.
Rosamund Eastney
Queen Philippa treats Rosamund Eastney as a beloved lady-in-waiting and confidante, sharing secrets and personal concerns.
John Copeland
John Copeland holds a formal but respectful professional relationship with Queen Philippa, often acting as her military liaison.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Queen Philippa in i the story of the sestina

In the story

Queen Philippa appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Queen Philippa unlock in the free preview.

See Queen Philippa in i the story of the sestina

See Queen Philippa in Chivalry