# First Gentleman — Henry VIII character guide

> First Gentleman in Henry VIII by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** First Gentleman, First Gentleman 'Tis, First Gentleman Marquess Dorset

**First appearance:** 0016-act-iv-scene-i

## Who they are

A spectator who describes the coronation and other court events.

## Relationships

### [Second Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters/second_gentleman)

_social_

They are anonymous court observers who gossip and comment on events, acting as a chorus.

### [King Henry VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters/king_henry_viii)

_social_

The First Gentleman observes and reports on Henry's actions, but has no direct personal relationship.

### [Cardinal Wolsey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters/cardinal_wolsey)

_social_

Wolsey is observed by the First Gentleman, but they have no direct interaction or bond.

### [Duke of Buckingham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters/duke_of_buckingham)

_social_

The First Gentleman observes Buckingham's trial and fall, but has no personal connection.

### [King Henry VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters/king_henry_viii)

_social_

The First Gentleman observes and reports on Henry's actions, but has no direct personal relationship.

### [Second Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters/second_gentleman)

_social_

They are anonymous court observers who gossip and comment on events, acting as a chorus.

### [Cardinal Wolsey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters/cardinal_wolsey)

_social_

Wolsey is observed by the First Gentleman, but they have no direct interaction or bond.

### [Duke of Buckingham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters/duke_of_buckingham)

_social_

The First Gentleman observes Buckingham's trial and fall, but has no personal connection.

### [Cardinal Wolsey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_viii_se/characters/cardinal_wolsey)

_social_

Wolsey is observed by the First Gentleman, but they have no direct interaction or bond.

## In the story

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

Relates the details of Buckingham's trial and condemnation, and discusses the rumored separation between the king and queen.

## Links

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