# Lord Hastings — Henry VI, Part III character guide

> Lord Hastings in Henry VI, Part III by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Hastings, the Lord Hastings, my Lord Hastings

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

## Snapshot

A Yorkist lord whose loyalty to Edward IV is tested by the shifting allegiances of a kingdom where every nobleman must choose a side or die.

## Who they are

Hastings belongs to the network of Yorkist peers who help plant Edward IV on the throne and then must navigate the treacherous aftermath. His position depends on the king's favor, but Edward's impulsive marriage to Lady Grey and Warwick's furious defection make loyalty a dangerous gamble. Hastings matters because he represents the fragile coalition of nobles whose wavering support will determine whether York or Lancaster holds the crown.

## Relationships

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

_rivalry_

Hastings is a Yorkist supporter who opposes Henry and later helps Edward IV maintain power.

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

_rivalry_

Hastings is a Yorkist supporter who opposes Henry and later helps Edward IV maintain power.

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

_rivalry_

Hastings is a Yorkist supporter who opposes Henry and later helps Edward IV maintain power.

## In the story

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

Supports Edward and argues for England's self-reliance.

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

Mentioned as the king's chiefest friend resting in the tent; flees during the attack.

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

Assists in the plot and suggests fleeing to Lynn and then to Flanders.

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

Assists in Edward's escape to Burgundy alongside Gloucester.

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

Assists in persuading the mayor to open the gates and later argues for immediate proclamation of Edward as king.

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

Present as an attendant at court.

## Links

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