# King David of Scotland — Edward III character guide

> King David of Scotland in Edward III by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** David, King David, Ignoble David

**First appearance:** 0007-act-iii

## Snapshot

Scotland's king, who seizes on England's French distractions to invade the north, only to be captured by a squire and delivered into his enemy's hands.

## Who they are

David of Scotland gambles that Edward's absence in France leaves England vulnerable, a calculation that proves disastrously wrong. Defeated at Neville's Cross by the queen's forces and taken prisoner by John Copland, he becomes a bargaining chip and a symbol of the realm's resilience under pressure. His capture, reported to Edward at the siege of Calais, demonstrates that the home front can hold while the king pursues his continental ambitions — and that even a king can be brought low by a common squire.

## In the story

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

Leads the siege, boasts of his plans, but flees upon hearing of the English army's approach.

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

Captured in battle by John Copland during Edward's absence.

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

Brought as a prisoner before King Edward by Copland.

## Links

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