Henry VI, Part II · Character

Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester

Gloucester's ambitious wife, whose dabbling in sorcery to glimpse the crown's future becomes the lever that topples her husband.

supporting

Also known as Nell, Sweet Nell, gentle Nell, Dame Eleanor, Eleanor, Dame Eleanor Cobham, Gloucester Eleanor, Lady Eleanor, Duchess, Duchess Tut, Exeunt Duchess, Duchess Ay

First appearance: Scene II

As a supporting figure in Henry VI, Part II, Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Reveals her own dream of being crowned queen and conspires with Hume to consult witches and conjurers.

In the storyScene IIOpen this moment free

Eleanor Cobham is the proud wife of the protector, restless under the modest place a duke's consort is allowed. Her consultation of conjurers and witches — seeking to know what fortune holds for her husband — hands her enemies the weapon they need against Gloucester's house. She matters because her fall is the first great blow struck in the campaign to strip the good duke of his staff and his influence.

See Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester in Scene II Book page

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Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Conspirators and rebels
Protagonist

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

York’s aside reveals his barely contained fury and his strategic decision to dissemble, marking the emotional…

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In the story

Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene II
Reveals her own dream of being crowned queen and conspires with Hume to consult witches and conjurers.
Scene IV
Participates in the conjuring ritual to learn the fates of the king and nobles, is arrested by York and Buckingham.
Scene I
Mentioned as the ringleader of the conspiracy involving witches and conjurers against the king.
Scene III
Sentenced to public penance and banishment to the Isle of Man for witchcraft and treason; accepts her fate with dignity.
Scene IV
Paraded in a white sheet, laments her shame, warns Gloucester of enemies, and is taken to the Isle of Man.

Chapter companion notes

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See Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester in Scene II