# Edmund Mortimer — Henry IV, Part I character guide

> Edmund Mortimer in Henry IV, Part I by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lord Mortimer, the foolish Mortimer, Ned, Mortimer Yea

**First appearance:** 0004-act-i-scene-iii

## Snapshot

A captured English lord who married his Welsh captor's daughter and whose royal blood makes him a dangerous pawn in the rebellion.

## Who they are

Mortimer is the Earl of March, taken prisoner by Glendower and now bound to him by marriage to his daughter. His claim to the throne gives the rebels a rival title to Henry's, though Hotspur dismisses him as 'the foolish Mortimer.' He plays peacemaker among his fiery allies, a quiet center in a storm of ambition.

## In the story

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

Reported captured by Glendower in Wales, with his forces butchered.

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

Mortimer mediates between Hotspur and Glendower, praises Glendower's learning and valour, and expresses frustration that his wife speaks no English.

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

Listed among the rebels allied with Douglas and Northumberland.

## Links

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