Henry V · Character

The Dauphin

France's cocky heir sends Henry a tun of tennis balls as a jeer, mistaking a reformed king's patience for the recklessness of his youth.

supporting

Also known as Dauphin, Prince Dauphin

First appearance: Scene IV: The French Court Prepares for War

As a supporting figure in Henry V, The Dauphin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Sends tennis balls as a mocking gift, provoking Henry's wrath.

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The Dauphin is the French crown prince, eager for war with England and contemptuous of Henry as a wastrel who cannot 'revel into dukedoms.' His insulting gift of tennis balls is meant to mock, but it hands Henry the perfect provocation to rally England and press his claim. Arrogant, impatient, and hungry for 'nothing but odds with England,' the Dauphin embodies the overconfidence that will define France's posture in the war's opening arc.

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See The Dauphin in Scene IV: The French Court Prepares for War

Character Web

17 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Nobility, Clergy, and National Symbols
Common Soldiers and French Commanders
Falstaff's Associates and Symbols
Protagonist

+12 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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In the story

The Dauphin appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene II
Sends tennis balls as a mocking gift, provoking Henry's wrath.
Scene IV: The French Court Prepares for War
The Dauphin dismisses Henry as a vain youth, but later insists on arming strongly; he admits to sending the tennis balls as an insult.
The Siege of Harfleur
Mentioned as having been entreated for succours but his powers are not yet ready to raise the siege.
Scene V
Expresses indignation at the English advance and is ordered by his father to remain in Rouen.
Scene VII
Extravagantly praises his horse as a Pegasus, claims his horse is his mistress, and longs for dawn to trample the English.
Scene II
Eagerly calls for his horse and boasts of the French cavalry's superiority, suggesting their horses' blood will blind the English.
Scene V
Cries out in shame and suggests self-destruction over dishonor.

Chapter companion notes

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See The Dauphin in Scene IV: The French Court Prepares for War

See The Dauphin in Scene II