# Duke of Alençon — Henry VI, Part I character guide

> Duke of Alençon in Henry VI, Part I by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Alençon, Charles Duke of Alençon, Alençon Pucelle

**First appearance:** 0003-act-i-scene-ii

## Snapshot

A French duke and battlefield commander who fights beside the Dauphin and Joan, lending noble weight to the French cause.

## Who they are

Alençon is one of the French lords who rallies to Charles after Joan's arrival, crediting her with reviving their courage and calling her worthy of a coronet of gold. He is a practical soldier in a faction that depends on a peasant girl's visions and tricks, a tension he never quite resolves. His presence gives the French court its texture — proud, fractious, and willing to follow whoever can win.

## In the story

### [Scene II: The Arrival of Joan la Pucelle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_i_se/chapters/act-i-scene-ii)

Comments on English ferocity and compares them to legendary heroes; later skeptical of Charles's lengthy talk with Joan.

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

Expresses joy that all France will celebrate their victory.

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

Fights with the French and refuses Talbot's challenge to open battle.

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

Praises Joan's performance and suggests she deserves a crown of gold.

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

Mentioned among the French forces beaten down by Talbot.

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

Encourages Charles to march to Paris without delay.

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

Accompanies Charles and argues against the terms of the truce.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_i_se/characters/alencon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_i_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_i_se/characters