# Henry Bolingbroke — Richard II character guide

> Henry Bolingbroke in Richard II by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Harry Bolingbroke, Harry, Henry, Bolingbroke, Henry Hereford, Harry Hereford, Harry Duke of Hereford, Harry Duke, Hereford, Henry of Lancaster, Lancaster, Derby, King Bolingbroke, Bolingbroke Villain, proud Bolingbroke, The mounting Bolingbroke, Bolingbroke Whither, the Duke of Hereford, the Duke of Hereford that appeals me, Cousin of Hereford

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

## Snapshot

The exiled cousin who returns to claim his stolen inheritance and finds a crown waiting, ascending the throne with a knee bent low and a heart already high.

## Who they are

Bolingbroke enters the play as an appellant hurling gages at Mowbray, a man of few words and hard purpose whose banishment only sharpens his claim. Where Richard talks, Bolingbroke acts — he kneels to the fallen king in the base court while quietly taking everything the king once owned. His rise is the engine of the play's middle arc, and his uneasy courtesy toward Richard hints at the guilt that will shadow the Lancastrian crown.

## Relationships

### [King Richard II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/richard_ii_se/characters/king_richard_ii)

_rivalry_

Bolingbroke and Richard are bitter rivals, with Bolingbroke ultimately usurping Richard's throne.

### [Henry Percy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/richard_ii_se/characters/henry_percy)

_friendship_

Bolingbroke and Henry Percy are allies, with Percy serving as a key military supporter.

### [King Richard II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/richard_ii_se/characters/king_richard_ii)

_rivalry_

Bolingbroke and Richard are bitter rivals, with Bolingbroke ultimately usurping Richard's throne.

## In the story

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

Accuses Mowbray of treason, including embezzlement and involvement in Gloucester's death, and throws down his gage.

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

Accepts banishment with outward submission but expresses deep grief in dialogue with Gaunt.

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

Returns from banishment, claims his inheritance as Duke of Lancaster, and persuades York to join him against Bushy and Bagot.

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

Leads the scene, condemns Bushy and Green to death, and orders kind treatment of the queen.

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

Leads the forces at Flint Castle, kneels to Richard but asserts his claim, and orchestrates Richard's surrender.

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

Referenced as the one who has seized the wasteful king and gained the support of the English peers.

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

Presides over the parliamentary proceedings, calls for Bagot's testimony, and orchestrates Richard's deposition; orders Richard to the Tower.

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

Described as riding triumphantly into London, greeted with cheers and adoration from the crowd.

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

Now king, he inquires about his son Prince Hal, confronts Aumerle's treason, and ultimately pardons Aumerle after the Duchess's plea.

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

Referenced as the usurper who rode Richard's horse and whose 'proud joy' contrasts with Richard's suffering.

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

Now king, he receives reports of rebel executions, condemns Exton for murdering Richard, and expresses remorse, planning a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/richard_ii_se/characters/henry_bolingbroke
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/richard_ii_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/richard_ii_se/characters