# Prince John of Lancaster — Henry IV, Part II character guide

> Prince John of Lancaster in Henry IV, Part II by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** young Prince John, young Lancaster, Lancaster, Lord John of Lancaster

**First appearance:** 0015-act-iv-scene-i

## Snapshot

King Henry's second son, a coldly efficient commander whose smile at Gaultree Forest is more dangerous than any rebel's sword.

## Who they are

Prince John of Lancaster leads the royal army against the Archbishop's rebellion with a composure that unnerves even his allies. He negotiates peace terms with the rebels and then arrests them for treason the moment their soldiers disperse, a maneuver that reveals how little he shares his brother Hal's taste for taverns or mercy. His calculating victory at Gaultree establishes him as a foil to Hal: where the prince of Wales is learning to be human, Lancaster is learning to be ruthless.

## In the story

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

Leads the royal forces, accuses the Archbishop of hypocrisy, and orchestrates the treacherous arrest of the rebel leaders.

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

Leads the forces, dismisses Falstaff's claims, and orders Colevile's execution.

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

Enters to bring news of peace and happiness to his father.

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

Prince John enters with other nobles, expressing sorrow and caution about the new reign.

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

Approves the king's proceeding and hints at a future war with France.

## Links

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