Henry VI, Part II · Character
Dick the Butcher
Follower of Jack Cade, known for the line 'The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.'
minor
Also known as Dick Nay, Dick, Dick Aside
First appearance: Scene II
Dick the Butcher's tie to Jack Cade is one of the pressures that moves Henry VI, Part II—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
A rebel follower who mocks Cade's claims and proposes killing all lawyers as the first act of rebellion.
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With Jack Cade (friendship): Dick is a loyal follower and enforcer for Cade, supporting his rebellion with brutal enthusiasm. With Jack Cade (friendship): Dick is a loyal follower and enforcer for Cade, supporting his…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Dick the Butcher sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Dick the Butcher in Scene IICharacter Web
17 connectionsA slice of how Dick the Butcher sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Friendship
- Other
Character groups
- Conspirators and rebels
- Protagonist
+12 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
York’s aside reveals his barely contained fury and his strategic decision to dissemble, marking the emotional…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Jack Cade
friendship · positive
Dick is a loyal follower and enforcer for Cade, supporting his rebellion with brutal… How this plays out →
- Jack Cade
friendship · positive
Dick is a loyal follower and enforcer for Cade, supporting his rebellion with brutal… How this plays out →
- Jack Cade
friendship · positive
Dick is a loyal follower and enforcer for Cade, supporting his rebellion with brutal… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Dick the Butcher in Scene IIIn the story
Dick the Butcher appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Dick the Butcher unlock in the free preview.
See Dick the Butcher in Scene II