# Earl of Derby — Edward III character guide

> Earl of Derby in Edward III by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Derby, Copland

**First appearance:** 0015-act-iv-scene-ii

## Who they are

English nobleman who captures John Copland.

## In the story

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

Appointed ambassador to the Earl of Hainault to secure allies.

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

Brings news of the Emperor's alliance but is dismissed by the distracted king.

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

Helps arm Prince Edward with the helmet and is assigned to the rearward march.

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

Brings news of the prince's danger and laments the king's refusal to help.

### [Scene II: The Siege of Calais](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ii)

Assists Edward in the siege and is ordered to relieve the expelled French poor with victuals and money.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters/derby
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters