# Poins — Henry IV, Part I character guide

> Poins in Henry IV, Part I by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Ned Poins, good Ned, Ned

**First appearance:** 0003-act-i-scene-ii

## Snapshot

Prince Hal's clever companion, the schemer who orchestrates the Gadshill robbery and knows the prince's games better than anyone.

## Who they are

Poins moves through the tavern world as Hal's closest confidant, quick-witted and fond of practical jokes. He engineers the highway robbery that lets Hal mock Falstaff's cowardice, showing a mind that sees through every pretension. His easy intimacy with the prince raises the question of what Hal will leave behind when he becomes king.

## In the story

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

Proposes the plan to rob Falstaff and the others at Gadshill, arranging disguises and a meeting in Eastcheap.

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

Helps Hal hide Falstaff's horse and participates in the counter-robbery.

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

Participates in the mockery of Falstaff's cowardice.

## Links

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