# The Dauphin — Henry V character guide

> The Dauphin in Henry V by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Dauphin, Prince Dauphin

**First appearance:** 0010-act-ii-scene-iv

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

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

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

### [Scene IV: The French Court Prepares for War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_v_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iv)

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_v_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-iii)

Mentioned as having been entreated for succours but his powers are not yet ready to raise the siege.

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

Expresses indignation at the English advance and is ordered by his father to remain in Rouen.

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

Cries out in shame and suggests self-destruction over dishonor.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_v_se/characters/dauphin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_v_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_v_se/characters