Katharine Howard

Cardinal Pole

Cardinal Pole is deeply in love with Katharine Howard, but their relationship is complicated by political and religious tensions.

Thomas Cromwell

Katharine Howard and Thomas Cromwell are fierce political enemies, each plotting to destroy the other's influence.

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn and Katharine Howard are rivals for the king's favor and influence at court, with deep personal animosity.

Magister Udal

Magister Udal is a loyal friend and tutor to Katharine Howard, often acting as her confidant and ally.

Thomas Culpepper

Katharine Howard and Thomas Culpepper are secret lovers, engaging in a passionate but dangerous affair.

Cicely Elliott

Cicely Elliott is a close friend and confidante to Katharine Howard, offering support and loyalty.

Cardinal Pole

Cardinal Pole is deeply in love with Katharine Howard, but their relationship is complicated by political and religious tensions.

Thomas Cromwell

Katharine Howard and Thomas Cromwell are fierce political enemies, each plotting to destroy the other's influence.

Thomas Cromwell

Katharine Howard and Thomas Cromwell are fierce political enemies, each plotting to destroy the other's influence.

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn and Katharine Howard are rivals for the king's favor and influence at court, with deep personal animosity.

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn and Katharine Howard are rivals for the king's favor and influence at court, with deep personal animosity.

Magister Udal

Magister Udal is a loyal friend and tutor to Katharine Howard, often acting as her confidant and ally.

Part I: The Rising Sun

Emerging as a key player in the political landscape.

I

Mentioned as the Lady Katharine Howard, mistress to the King, and a figure whose favor Udal seeks to maintain.

II

Mentioned as the possible cause of the embassy; rumored to have influenced the King to send the mission. Doctor Longstaffe has copied sonnets to her for the Earl of Surrey.

III

Mentioned as Udal's former pupil and a potential future queen who might restore the Old Faith.

V

Passionately argues for righting wrongs and defending the old faith; declares she will not participate in plots against Privy Seal.

VI

Confronts Cromwell with a plea to turn from his policies and embrace Rome; offers him a place beside her if he will help re-humble the King before God.

VII

The target of Cromwell's schemes; Throckmorton hopes she will enslave the King's desires to save herself.

Part II: The Distant Cloud

Her preparations and potential confrontation with Cromwell are hinted at, marking her as a key player.

I

Mentioned as the recipient of letters Poins once carried, and as Culpepper's cousin; her fortunes are at stake if Culpepper reaches London.

II

Discussed as the object of Culpepper's desire; he claims to have had her alone and bought her gowns and pies.

III

Negotiates with Henry about becoming queen, insists on verifying Anne of Cleves's testimony, and struggles with her conscience over divorce.

IV

Determined to ask Queen Anne of Cleves if she is the King's wife; refuses to be queen if lies are involved; resolute against threats.

V

Mentioned as returning from Windsor; Throckmorton fears a meeting between Culpepper and the King will lead to her death.

VI

Visits Queen Anne to seek her blessing for marriage to the King, driven by a desire to restore the old faith and guide the King.

VII

Lady Katharine, the woman Cromwell seeks to destroy by proving her unchaste through her cousin.

Part III: The Sunburst

Prepares to confront Cromwell, asserting her agency in the court's power struggles.

I

Culpepper's cousin; her room is the destination for Culpepper and the King, and she is not yet taken.

II

Wracked with guilt over becoming queen after Anne of Cleves, she pleads with Henry to avoid a coronation and seeks penance.