# Hal Poins — The Fifth Queen character guide

> Hal Poins in The Fifth Queen by Ford Madox Ford.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Hal Poins, Henry, Harry, Poins, young Poins

**First appearance:** 0000-part-i-the-coming

## Snapshot

Margot's brother, a young courtier whose easy familiarity with pages and lords makes him a useful ear in a palace where every corridor carries gossip.

## Who they are

Hal Poins moves among the hangers-on of the Earl of Surrey's household, trading talk with young Marten Pewtress about the new Howard wench come to Court and his sister's place in her service. He and the magister have sworn that Margot's fortune is made, and he shares the credulous excitement of a family suddenly lifted toward the King's bounty. His value to the story is as a conduit: through him the reader hears how the Court reads Katharine's arrival, and how quickly private loyalties become public speculation.

## Relationships

### [Katharine Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/characters/katharine_howard)

_friendship_

Hal Poins is a loyal retainer and friend to Katharine, often involved in her schemes and providing practical support.

### [Katharine Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/characters/katharine_howard)

_friendship_

Hal Poins is a loyal retainer and friend to Katharine, often involved in her schemes and providing practical support.

### [Katharine Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/characters/katharine_howard)

_friendship_

Hal Poins is a loyal retainer and friend to Katharine, often involved in her schemes and providing practical support.

## In the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/chapters/iii)

Informs Margot about the libel and the city's rumors; serves in the Queen's bodyguard.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/characters/hal_poins
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/characters