Henry V · Character

Bardolph

A red-nosed veteran of the tavern years, loyal to his old companions and unable to resist the small thefts that will cost him everything.

supporting

Also known as Bardolph, Lieutenant Bardolph, Good Bardolph

First appearance: Scene I

See Bardolph in Scene I Book page

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He follows the army to France as a lieutenant, still recognizable by the flaming nose that made him a joke in Eastcheap. His loyalty to Falstaff's circle and his casual looting place him on a collision course with the…

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See Bardolph in Scene I

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Bardolph sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Common Soldiers and French Commanders
Protagonist
Falstaff's Associates and Symbols

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of King Henry’s mor…

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Relationships

King Henry V
professional · negative
King Henry V
professional · negative
King Henry V
professional · negative

King Henry V
Bardolph is a former friend of Henry's youth, now a common soldier whom Henry must execute for theft, showing the king's harsh justice.
King Henry V
Bardolph is a former friend of Henry's youth, now a common soldier whom Henry must execute for theft, showing the king's harsh justice.
King Henry V
Bardolph is a former friend of Henry's youth, now a common soldier whom Henry must execute for theft, showing the king's harsh justice.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Bardolph in Scene I

In the story

Bardolph appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene I
Bardolph acts as a peacemaker, offering to buy breakfast to reconcile Nym and Pistol and threatening to kill the first man who strikes. He urges unity for their upcoming campaign in France.
Scene III
Expresses regret for Falstaff's death and laments the loss of his livelihood.
Scene II
Urges others to the breach but is described by the Boy as white-livered and red-faced.
Scene VI
Reported to be under sentence of death for stealing a pax from a church.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Bardolph unlock in the free preview.

See Bardolph in Scene I