# Prince John — Ivanhoe character guide

> Prince John in Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** John, Prince John the conqueror, jolly Prince John

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Snapshot

Richard's treacherous brother, who schemes to seize the throne in the king's absence and treats Saxon nobles and their daughters as pawns in his political game.

## Who they are

Prince John is the usurping brother of King Richard, holding court at Ashby while Richard languishes in captivity abroad. He plots to marry Rowena to his follower De Bracy, both to reward a vassal and to neutralize a wealthy Saxon heiress, revealing his casual contempt for the people he would rule. His ambition and his fear of Richard's return drive the novel's political machinations, making him a constant threat to Ivanhoe and all who remain loyal to the absent king.

## Relationships

### [Waldemar Fitzurse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/waldemar_fitzurse)

_professional_

Fitzurse is Prince John's chief advisor and manipulator, scheming to advance John's claim to the throne.

### [Waldemar Fitzurse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/waldemar_fitzurse)

_professional_

Fitzurse is Prince John's chief advisor and manipulator, scheming to advance John's claim to the throne.

### [Waldemar Fitzurse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/waldemar_fitzurse)

_professional_

Fitzurse is Prince John's chief advisor and manipulator, scheming to advance John's claim to the throne.

## In the story

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/vii)

Acts tyrannically, ordering Isaac to be seated among the Saxons and stealing Isaac's money pouch; shows his profligate and perfidious character.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/viii)

Proposes naming Rebecca as Queen of Love and Beauty to insult the Saxons, but is overruled by his advisors.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/ix)

Presides over the tournament, grows suspicious and fearful that the victor might be King Richard, and attempts to manipulate the choice of Queen of Beauty.

### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xii)

Attempts to award the prize to the Black Knight but is forced to name the Disinherited Knight champion.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xiii)

Receives a billet warning that Richard is free; plots revenge and pleasure; orders the archery contest and schemes to wed Rowena to De Bracy.

### [Chapter XIV: The Banquet at Ashby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xiv)

Prince John hosts the banquet but struggles to maintain composure, angered by Cedric's toast to Richard.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xv)

Referenced as the weak and tyrannical prince whom Fitzurse and De Bracy hope to elevate for their own gain.

### [Chapter XXXIV: The Conspiracy Thickens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxxiv)

Anxious and fickle, he plots against his brother Richard while fearing betrayal from his own allies.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/prince_john
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters