# Mistress Quickly — Henry IV, Part II character guide

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

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Hostess, Hostess Faith, Hostess O the Lord

**First appearance:** 0007-act-ii-scene-i

## Snapshot

The Boar's Head hostess who scolds Falstaff, loves him anyway, and loses money to his endless credit and charm.

## Who they are

Mistress Quickly runs the Eastcheap tavern where Falstaff holds court, forever threatening to toss the rogue in a blanket yet wiping his sweaty face and swearing she loves him. Her muddled speech and bottomless tolerance make her both comic and quietly heartbreaking, since she is the one left holding the debt when the fun ends. She anchors the play's low world, showing what loyalty to Falstaff actually costs.

## In the story

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

Attempts to arrest Falstaff for unpaid debts, later agrees to lend him more money.

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

Hosts the revels, worries about the commotion, and bids farewell to Falstaff.

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

Dragged by beadles, she wishes for Sir John's help and laments that might overcomes right.

## Links

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