# George, Duke of Clarence — Henry VI, Part III character guide

> George, Duke of Clarence in Henry VI, Part III by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0002-act-i-scene-i

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [King Henry VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/characters/king_henry_vi)

_rivalry_

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

### [King Henry VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/characters/king_henry_vi)

_rivalry_

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

### [King Henry VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/characters/king_henry_vi)

_rivalry_

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

## In the story

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

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

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

Reports loss and despair, but later urges the group to rally their troops with promises of victory.

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

Joins in taunting Clifford and is promised the Dukedom of Clarence by Edward.

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

Exchanges mocking asides with Richard about Edward's wooing tactics.

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

Openly criticizes Edward's marriage and defects to Warwick.

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

Arrives with Somerset, reassures Warwick of his loyalty, and is promised Warwick's daughter.

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

Present with Warwick in the attack; Edward notes his brother's betrayal.

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

Consents to serve as joint protector alongside Warwick and agrees to the confiscation of Edward's lands.

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

Clarence is tasked with raising troops in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Kent, and bids farewell to Henry.

### [Scene I: The Battle of Barnet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-i)

Clarence defects from Warwick to Edward, throwing away his red rose and declaring himself Edward's loyal brother.

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

Dismisses the threat of Margaret's army as a 'little gale' that will soon disperse.

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

Present among Edward's forces, though without lines in this scene.

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

Stabs Prince Edward and refuses to kill Queen Margaret.

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

Kisses the young prince and pledges duty to Edward.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/characters/george_duke_of_clarence
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/characters