King Henry VIII

Anne Boleyn

Anne is Henry's wife, but their relationship is fraught with political manipulation and fading affection as Henry grows suspicious of her.

Katharine Howard

Katharine is Henry's young, naive bride, and their relationship is a mix of genuine affection from her and possessive, aging desire from him.

Lady Mary

Henry is Mary's father, but their relationship is strained by his rejection of her mother and his demand for her submission.

Archbishop Cranmer

Cranmer serves as Henry's religious advisor and loyal instrument in the Reformation, but he must navigate Henry's unpredictable temper.

Emperor Charles V

Charles and Henry are diplomatic adversaries, with Charles threatening war over Henry's divorce and religious break from Rome.

Thomas Culpepper

Henry uses Culpepper as a courtier and potential lover for his queens, but he is also suspicious of Culpepper's ambitions.

Anne Boleyn

Anne is Henry's wife, but their relationship is fraught with political manipulation and fading affection as Henry grows suspicious of her.

Emperor Charles V

Charles and Henry are diplomatic adversaries, with Charles threatening war over Henry's divorce and religious break from Rome.

Katharine Howard

Katharine is Henry's young, naive bride, and their relationship is a mix of genuine affection from her and possessive, aging desire from him.

Lady Mary

Henry is Mary's father, but their relationship is strained by his rejection of her mother and his demand for her submission.

Archbishop Cranmer

Cranmer serves as Henry's religious advisor and loyal instrument in the Reformation, but he must navigate Henry's unpredictable temper.

Lady Mary

Henry is Mary's father, but their relationship is strained by his rejection of her mother and his demand for her submission.

The Fifth Queen Crowned

Suspicious and volatile, he questions Katharine's loyalty and harbors dark thoughts about her past.

I

Dictates a letter to Rome, displaying his power and religious intentions, while mocking Cranmer and asserting his authority.

II

Though absent, his arrangements for Katharine's pleasure and his anticipated departure north are central to the scene.

III

Playfully creates the office of Chancellor for Udal, reveals his submission to the Pope, and shows his affection for Katharine.

IV

Attempts to win Mary's favor for political gain, but is met with her scorn and anger.

VII

Referenced as the King, whose crimes and pride are the subject of Mary's accusations.

Part II: The Threatened Rift

The king, who is preparing to ride north and whose mood and intentions are a source of anxiety for the queen.

I

Rides north with a large host, disappointed by the Scots King's absence, orders the Prince sent to Hampton Court, and oversees the hanging of borderers.

V

The King arrives at the Queen's chamber, unaware of the concealed Culpepper, as the chapter ends.

I

The King, who cleverly spins the situation to protect his wife's honor by claiming Culpepper as his messenger, and confronts the young Poins for his part in the affair.

II

Displays pride in his Queen, investigates the messenger incident, and pardons the lords.

III

Described as unstable and jealous, the King's reaction to the plot is central to Lascelles' strategy.

Part IV: The End of the Song

The king whose decisions seal Katharine's fate.

I

The King is tormented by fears for his soul and the illness of Prince Edward. He raves and swears, but becomes merry after Cranmer's visit, promising to send the letter to Rome.

III

Disguised as a masked German stranger, he listens to the accusations against his court and is driven to a rage, later attacking his companion.

IV

Reported to have returned to Hampton and to be with his council. Mary Hall reveals the King himself commanded her to say the Queen was of marriageable age. He remained mute during proceedings, only calling out 'Body of God! mine own bedchamber!' when Culpepper's indictment was read.

V

The King is in despair, begging Cranmer to save the Queen. He is horrified by her confession and desperately tries to get her to unsay it, revealing his plan to void their marriage. He is devastated by her final rejection.