# Mistress Quickly — Henry IV, Part I character guide

> Mistress Quickly in Henry IV, Part I by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Hostess, Enter Hostess, Exit Hostess

**First appearance:** 0009-act-ii-scene-iv

## Who they are

The Boar's Head's bustling hostess, Mistress Quickly keeps the ale flowing and her accounts muddled, forever sparring with Falstaff over unpaid debts and broken promises.

## In the story

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iv)

Announces the sheriff's arrival and later the messenger from the king.

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

Defends her inn against Falstaff's accusations of theft and debt, and reports Falstaff's insults to Prince Hal.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/characters/hostess
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/characters