# Cranmer — Henry VIII character guide

> Cranmer in Henry VIII by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Cromwell That Cranmer, The virtuous Cranmer, Cranmer Ah, Cranmer, Cranmer Kneeling, Cranmer Elizabeth

**First appearance:** 0019-act-v-scene-i

## Snapshot

The Archbishop of Canterbury whose enemies drag him toward the Tower until a single ring from the king reverses the whole conspiracy.

## Who they are

Cranmer stands accused by Gardiner and the council, told he must go 'like a traitor' to the Tower, and answers by producing the king's ring and appealing to Henry as his judge. The lords who schemed against him realize too late that they have 'blown the fire' that burns them, and Henry's furious entrance reduces Gardiner's flattery to a spaniel's wagging tongue. Cranmer's rescue shows the king's favor as the only real law in the play, and his role as godfather to the infant Elizabeth points toward the future the whole drama has been straining toward.

## In the story

### [Scene IV: The Divorce Trial at Blackfriars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iv)

Mentioned by the King as his trusted servant whose return is awaited for comfort and resolution.

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

Archbishop of Canterbury who presided over the divorce court at Dunstable and crowned Anne Bullen.

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

Archbishop of Canterbury, summoned by the king, warned of accusations, and given a ring for protection.

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

Made to wait outside the council-chamber as a deliberate insult.

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

Accused of heresy by the council, produces the king's ring, and is ultimately vindicated and honored by Henry.

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

Performs the christening, names the child Elizabeth, and delivers a prophetic speech about her future reign and legacy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters/cranmer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters