# Poins — Henry IV, Part II character guide

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

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Ned, honest Ned, Edward

**First appearance:** 0008-act-ii-scene-ii

## Snapshot

Prince Hal's sharp-witted companion, who mocks Falstaff's letter, plans the tavern ambush, and reads his friend's moods.

## Who they are

Poins moves through Eastcheap as Hal's shadow and accomplice, reading Falstaff's pompous letter aloud and proposing they disguise themselves as drawers to watch the old knight in his true colours. He is quick, unsentimental, and clear-eyed about the company they keep, which makes him both useful and faintly disposable. His partnership with Hal shows the prince's double life at its most playful, before the reckoning comes.

## In the story

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

Engages in banter with Prince Hal, reads Falstaff's letter, and agrees to spy on Falstaff.

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

Accompanies Prince Hal in disguise and helps expose Falstaff's hypocrisy.

## Links

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