# Duke of Buckingham — Henry VI, Part II character guide

> Duke of Buckingham in Henry VI, Part II by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Buckingham, Lord Buckingham, Sharp Buckingham, King Buckingham

**First appearance:** 0000-henry-vi-part-ii

## Snapshot

A court noble who stands with the queen's faction against Gloucester, his ambition sharpened by the spoils of a France being bargained away.

## Who they are

Buckingham belongs to the cluster of lords — Suffolk, Somerset, and the queen — whose interests collide with the protector's household. He is a man of the moment rather than of principle, aligning himself wherever power and advantage settle. His presence in the opening court scene signals how quickly the realm's great men sort themselves into rival camps, and his shifting loyalties help drive the factional friction that erodes Henry's peace.

## In the story

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

Assists York in the arrest and offers to carry the news to the king.

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

Brings the news of Lady Eleanor's arrest for witchcraft and conspiracy.

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

Echoes the accusations against Gloucester and supports his arrest.

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

Advises the King to retreat to Killingworth and warns against trusting the rebels.

### [Scene VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-viii)

Acts as the king's ambassador, offering pardon to the rebels and undermining Cade's authority.

### [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ix)

Brings news of Cade's defeat; is sent by Henry to meet York and negotiate.

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

Buckingham acts as a mediator, convincing York to disband his army on false promises.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/characters/duke_of_buckingham
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/characters