# King Henry IV — Henry IV, Part II character guide

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

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** King Harry, Harry the Fifth, King Henry the Fifth, King

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

## Snapshot

A monarch worn down by rebellion and grief, he measures his reign in sleepless nights and wonders whether his son will ever be fit to inherit the crown.

## Who they are

King Henry IV rules a kingdom still bleeding from the rebellion at Shrewsbury, where Hotspur fell and the Percy family's fury did not. His health is failing, and his anxieties about Prince Hal's wildness are sharpened by the knowledge that his own claim to the throne was never secure. His death in the play's final movement forces the realm to confront what succession means when the heir has been keeping company with a fat knight.

## In the story

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

King Henry IV appears in his nightgown, unable to sleep, and reflects on the burdens of the crown and the fickleness of former allies.

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

Anxious about Prince Hal's conduct and the state of the kingdom; receives news of victories but falls gravely ill.

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

On his deathbed, he confronts Prince Hal about taking the crown, forgives him, and gives final advice before dying.

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

The late king is discussed as having died, with his death prompting the transition of power.

## Links

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