# Bardolph — Henry IV, Part II character guide

> Bardolph in Henry IV, Part II by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lord Bardolph, Corporal Bardolph, honest Bardolph, Bardolph

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

## Snapshot

Falstaff's red-nosed corporal, whose loyalty runs as deep as his thirst and whose joy at good news outpaces any knighthood.

## Who they are

Bardolph moves through the tavern world as Falstaff's errand-runner and drinking companion, his flaming nose a running joke among the crew. When Pistol brings word of the old king's death, Bardolph's delight—he would not trade his fortune for a knighthood—captures the giddy opportunism of Falstaff's circle. His fate shadows the play's darker turn, as the merry days of Eastcheap meet a new king's cold justice.

## In the story

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

Brings false news of a rebel victory at Shrewsbury, insisting Hotspur has won.

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

Mentioned as having gone to Smithfield to buy a horse for Falstaff.

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

Warns against overreliance on uncertain aid, citing Hotspur's fatal miscalculation, and advocates for careful planning.

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

Assists Falstaff during the arrest and is sent with Hostess.

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

Enters with the Page, delivers Falstaff's letter, and is instructed to keep the Prince's arrival secret.

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

Assists Falstaff, ejects Pistol, and is noted for his fiery nose.

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

Accepts bribes from Mouldy and Bullcalf to exempt them from service, and assists Falstaff with the recruits.

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

Informs Falstaff that the army has been discharged.

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

Accompanies Falstaff to Shallow's house.

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

Drinks with the company and rejoices at the news of the king's death.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/characters/bardolph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/characters