# King Edward III — Edward III character guide

> King Edward III in Edward III by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Edward, Ned, King John Edward, John of, black Edward, King John of

**First appearance:** 0000-edward-iii

## Snapshot

A young king whose dormant claim to France is ignited by an exile's genealogy lesson, turning a diplomatic summons into the opening move of a war.

## Who they are

Edward begins as a monarch secure in England but ignorant of the strength of his own blood-right, until Robert of Artois lays out the tangled line of Philip Le Beau and the Valois usurpation. The Duke of Lorraine's summons to do homage for Guyenne arrives as both insult and opportunity, and Edward's answer — that he will come to France, but not servilely — reveals a ruler who converts provocation into purpose. His hunger for legitimate glory, and his willingness to be taught by a banished Frenchman, set the engine of the play's campaigns in motion.

## Relationships

### [Queen Philip](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters/queen_philip)

_family_

King Edward III and Queen Philip are married, sharing a close and supportive bond as royal partners.

### [Countess of Salisbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters/countess_of_salisbury)

_romantic_

The Countess of Salisbury is the object of King Edward III's intense romantic obsession, which she resists.

### [Edward Plantagenet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters/edward_plantagenet)

_family_

Edward Plantagenet is the son of King Edward III, and their relationship is one of filial duty and royal lineage.

### [Lord Audley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters/lord_audley)

_professional_

Lord Audley is a trusted commander and vassal of King Edward III, often involved in military campaigns.

### [Prince Edward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters/prince_edward)

_family_

Prince Edward is the son and heir of King Edward III, with a relationship based on paternal pride and martial training.

### [Charles Villiers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters/charles_villiers)

_rivalry_

Charles Villiers is a French nobleman and antagonist to King Edward III, representing the opposing side in the conflict.

### [Robert of Artois](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters/robert_of_artois)

_friendship_

Robert of Artois is a close ally and friend to King Edward III, serving as a key advisor and supporter of his claim to France.

### [Duke of Lorraine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters/duke_of_lorraine)

_rivalry_

The Duke of Lorraine is a French nobleman and opponent of King Edward III in the Hundred Years' War.

### [Lord Percy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/characters/lord_percy)

_professional_

Lord Percy is a loyal English baron and military subordinate of King Edward III.

## In the story

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

Declares war on France, creates Robert of Artois Earl of Richmond, and plans to repel the Scots.

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

Arrives at Roxborough, is captivated by the Countess's beauty, and agrees to stay.

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

Attempts to seduce the Countess of Salisbury, first by commanding her father Warwick to persuade her, then by directly propositioning her.

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

Struggles with his lust for the Countess, ultimately swears to abandon his suit and returns to his martial duties.

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

Mentioned as the English king advancing with his army, fulfilling the prophecy of the lion from the west.

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

Arms his son and leads the English forces, asserting his claim to the French crown.

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

Knights Prince Edward and later refuses to send aid, testing his son's courage.

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

Commands the siege of Calais, shows mercy to expelled French poor, receives news of David's capture, and issues harsh terms for the town's surrender.

### [Scene III: Poitou. Fields near Poitiers. The French camp; tent of the Duke of Normandy.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/edward_iii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-iii)

Mentioned as entrapped by King John, though the focus is on the French camp.

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

Commands the siege of Calais, shows clemency at Queen Philippa's request, knights Copland, and rejoices at his son's victory.

## Links

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