# Captain Fluellen — Henry V character guide

> Captain Fluellen in Henry V by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Fluellen, Captain Fluellen

**First appearance:** 0014-act-iii-scene-ii

## Snapshot

A Welsh captain who cites Pompey and the Roman discipline at every turn, fiercely loyal to the king and comically certain that everyone else is doing war wrong.

## Who they are

He serves in Henry's army as a professional soldier among amateurs, forever comparing the campaign to classical precedent and correcting his fellows on points of honor. His pedantry is genuine, but so is his courage, and the king notes there is 'much care and valour in this Welshman.' He matters because he embodies the unglamorous discipline that holds an outnumbered army together when the odds look hopeless.

## In the story

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

Drives the soldiers to the breach, argues about military discipline, and clashes with Macmorris over national pride.

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

Reports on the bridge action, praises Exeter, and refuses to plead for Bardolph's life, emphasizing discipline.

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

Compares Henry to Alexander the Great, discusses the leek as a Welsh badge, and receives a glove from the king.

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

Defends the glove given by Henry, accuses Williams of treason, and later offers Williams money to make peace.

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

Forces Pistol to eat a leek as punishment for mocking the Welsh tradition, asserting his honor and cultural pride.

## Links

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