# Duke of Gloucester — Henry V character guide

> Duke of Gloucester in Henry V by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Gloucester, brother Gloucester

**First appearance:** 0004-act-i-scene-ii

## Snapshot

One of Henry's royal brothers, a loyal nobleman whose presence at court and in the field anchors the king's inner circle of trusted kin.

## Who they are

Gloucester belongs to the small band of Henry's brothers and uncles who surround him as he transforms from prodigal prince to warrior king. He appears at court when the French embassy arrives and stands among the English leadership as the campaign unfolds, part of the familial scaffolding that supports Henry's authority. His importance lies less in individual deeds than in what he represents: the Plantagenet house closing ranks, blood and duty fused into the machinery of war.

## In the story

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

Present in the scene as part of Henry's court.

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

Present among the English forces before Harfleur.

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

Accompanies Henry and expresses hope that the French will not attack.

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

Arrives to summon the king to his nobles.

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

Inquires about the king's whereabouts and participates in the camp scene.

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

Instructed by Henry to follow Fluellen and notes the French herald's humbler demeanor.

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

Enters with Warwick to see the commotion.

## Links

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