# Joan of Arc — Henry VI, Part I character guide

> Joan of Arc in Henry VI, Part I by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Joan, Joan la Pucelle, Pucelle, La Pucelle

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

## Snapshot

A French peasant girl who claims divine calling, outwits English armies with cunning and fire, and becomes the war's most feared and hated figure.

## Who they are

Joan la Pucelle enters as a shepherd's daughter turned military prodigy, promising Charles the Dauphin victory and delivering it through stratagems like the sack of Rouen disguised as corn sellers. To the French she is a saint and a rallying flame; to the English she is 'that witch, that damned sorceress,' a taunt she answers with cool mockery. Her rise gives France its first real hope and forces the English to confront a war they may no longer be able to 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)

Introduced as a holy maid with prophetic visions; defeats Charles in single combat and declares her mission to drive the English from France.

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

Introduced as a holy prophetess joining the Dauphin's forces to raise the siege of Orleans.

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

Drives back English forces, fights Talbot, and successfully enters Orleans.

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

Celebrates the rescue of Orleans and is hailed as a divine prophetess by Charles.

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

Defends herself against Charles's accusations after the French defeat.

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

Disguises herself and her soldiers to infiltrate Rouen, then taunts the English from the walls.

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

Devises a plan to win Burgundy over with persuasive words and successfully convinces him to defect.

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

Recounts her encounter with young Talbot and mocks Sir William Lucy's elaborate titles for Lord Talbot.

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

Dismisses fear as base and urges Charles to command the conquest.

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

Captured by York after her demonic spirits forsake her in battle.

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

Condemned to burn, denies her father, claims noble birth and virginity, then falsely claims pregnancy to avoid execution.

## Links

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