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

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

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Burgundy, Burgundy Courageous Bedford, Bedford

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

## Snapshot

The French duke allied with England who lets Joan of Arc's words turn his sword back toward his own countrymen.

## Who they are

Burgundy marches in Talbot's rearward as an English ally, trusted for profit rather than loyalty, until Joan intercepts him with a parley and a speech about France's wounds and his doubtful birth. Her argument that England will discard him once Talbot is secure breaks his allegiance, and he embraces Charles and the French lords on the spot. His defection shifts the military balance in France and proves Joan's power to win by persuasion what Talbot wins by arms.

## In the story

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

Fights alongside the English, questioning Joan of Arc's martial nature.

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

Reports seeing the Dauphin and Joan fleeing together.

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

Fights alongside Talbot, vows to retake Rouen, and praises Talbot's valor.

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

Initially marching with the English, he is swayed by Joan's speech and switches allegiance to the French.

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

Comments on young Talbot's potential as a noble knight, seeing him lying dead in his father's arms.

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

Assures Charles that the ghost of Talbot is gone, reducing fear.

## Links

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