# Prince Harry — Henry IV, Part II character guide

> Prince Harry in Henry IV, Part II by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Prince Henry, Hal, Prince, Harry

**First appearance:** 0002-act-i

## Snapshot

The heir to England's throne, who studies his own future by slumming with thieves and then watching, with cool detachment, how the world sees him.

## Who they are

Prince Harry moves between Westminster and Eastcheap, keeping Falstaff as a familiar while reading his letters with the ironic distance of a man already rehearsing kingship. He knows his tavern companions are a disguise, yet he cannot fully abandon the ease and wit they offer him. His decision to spy on Falstaff in disguise at supper shows a prince who must see the truth of his own world before he can leave it behind.

## In the story

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

Mentioned as the prince who struck the Lord Chief Justice and whom Falstaff claims to have 'checked' for it.

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

Expresses weariness and inner sorrow over his father's sickness, yet maintains a playful demeanor with Poins.

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

Disguises himself with Poins to observe Falstaff, then confronts him and leaves for court upon hearing news of rebellion.

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

Mentioned as being in London with Poins and other followers, causing the king concern.

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

Takes the crown thinking his father dead, defends his actions, and is reconciled with the king.

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

Now King Henry V, he enters and reconciles with the Chief Justice, declaring his transformation and commitment to justice.

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

Now crowned King Henry V, he publicly rejects Falstaff, banishes him, and orders the Lord Chief Justice to enforce the sentence.

## Links

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