Henry VI, Part III · Character

George, Duke of Clarence

Edward's middle brother, 'gentle Clarence,' whose loyalties prove as movable as the political winds that buffet the Yorkist court.

supporting

Also known as Clarence, George, gentle Clarence, sweet Clarence

First appearance: act i scene i

As a supporting figure in Henry VI, Part III, George, Duke of Clarence is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Accuses Margaret of causing the war and vows to destroy the Lancastrian usurpers.

In the storyScene IIOpen this moment free

Clarence stands between two stronger brothers — Edward the crowned king and Richard the scheming wit — and his position as the middle Plantagenet makes him both valuable and vulnerable. He trades knowing asides with Richard during Edward's flirtation with Lady Grey, showing he sees the game clearly even if he lacks the will to master it. His wavering allegiance, caught between family and self-interest, makes him a barometer of how fragile the Yorkist settlement really is.

See George, Duke of Clarence in Scene II Book page

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Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how George, Duke of Clarence sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Lancastrian and Yorkist Nobles
Supporting Nobles and Messengers
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

This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of King Edward’s tr…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

King Henry VI
rivalry · negative
Clarence is a Yorkist prince who switches sides to the Lancastrians temporarily, but… How this plays out →
King Henry VI
rivalry · negative
Clarence is a Yorkist prince who switches sides to the Lancastrians temporarily, but… How this plays out →
King Henry VI
rivalry · negative
Clarence is a Yorkist prince who switches sides to the Lancastrians temporarily, but… How this plays out →

King Henry VI
Clarence is a Yorkist prince who switches sides to the Lancastrians temporarily, but ultimately remains an enemy to Henry's cause.
King Henry VI
Clarence is a Yorkist prince who switches sides to the Lancastrians temporarily, but ultimately remains an enemy to Henry's cause.
King Henry VI
Clarence is a Yorkist prince who switches sides to the Lancastrians temporarily, but ultimately remains an enemy to Henry's cause.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See George, Duke of Clarence in act i scene i

In the story

George, Duke of Clarence appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene II
Accuses Margaret of causing the war and vows to destroy the Lancastrian usurpers.
Scene III
Reports loss and despair, but later urges the group to rally their troops with promises of victory.
Scene VI
Joins in taunting Clifford and is promised the Dukedom of Clarence by Edward.
Scene II
Exchanges mocking asides with Richard about Edward's wooing tactics.
Scene I
Openly criticizes Edward's marriage and defects to Warwick.
Scene II
Arrives with Somerset, reassures Warwick of his loyalty, and is promised Warwick's daughter.
Scene III
Present with Warwick in the attack; Edward notes his brother's betrayal.
Scene VI
Consents to serve as joint protector alongside Warwick and agrees to the confiscation of Edward's lands.
Scene VIII
Clarence is tasked with raising troops in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Kent, and bids farewell to Henry.
Scene I: The Battle of Barnet
Clarence defects from Warwick to Edward, throwing away his red rose and declaring himself Edward's loyal brother.
Scene III
Dismisses the threat of Margaret's army as a 'little gale' that will soon disperse.
Scene IV
Present among Edward's forces, though without lines in this scene.
Scene V
Stabs Prince Edward and refuses to kill Queen Margaret.
Scene VII
Kisses the young prince and pledges duty to Edward.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for George, Duke of Clarence unlock in the free preview.

See George, Duke of Clarence in act i scene i

See George, Duke of Clarence in Scene II