Edward II · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Edward II by Christopher Marlowe.
King Edward II
major
Also known as Edward, Ned, King Edward
The king of England, whose favoritism toward Gaveston sparks rebellion among his nobles.
Piers Gaveston
major
Also known as Gaveston, Pierce of Gaveston, poor Gaveston, sweet Gaveston
The king's favorite and lover, whose arrogance and influence provoke the barons' ire.
Younger Mortimer
major
Also known as Mortimer, the Younger Mortimer, Lord Mortimer
Ambitious nobleman who leads the rebellion against Edward and becomes queen's lover.
Queen Isabella
major
Also known as Isabella, Isabel, Queen Isabella
Edward's neglected queen who allies with Mortimer to overthrow her husband.
Earl of Lancaster
supporting
Also known as Lancaster, Earl of Lancaster
Powerful baron and leader of the opposition to Gaveston and the king.
Elder Mortimer
supporting
Also known as the Elder Mortimer, Elder Mortimer
Uncle of Younger Mortimer, a baron who opposes the king's favorites.
Younger Spenser
supporting
Also known as Spenser, the Younger Spenser, Hugh Spenser, sweet Spenser
New favorite of King Edward after Gaveston's death, loyal to the king.
Baldock
supporting
Also known as Baldock
Cleric and ally of Spenser, serves as Edward's advisor during the conflict.
Earl of Kent
supporting
Also known as Kent, Edmund, uncle Kent
Edward's half-brother who initially supports the king but later regrets it.
Earl of Warwick
supporting
Also known as Warwick, Lord Warwick, proud Warwick
Baronial enemy of Gaveston, instrumental in his capture and execution.
Earl of Pembroke
supporting
Also known as Pembroke, Lord Pembroke, my Lord of Pembroke
Nobleman who initially opposes Gaveston but later shows some restraint.
Prince Edward
supporting
Also known as Prince Edward, Edward
Son of Edward II and Isabella, later becomes King Edward III.
Matrevis
supporting
Also known as Matrevis
Keeper assigned to guard the imprisoned king, complicit in his mistreatment.
Gurney
supporting
Also known as Gurney
Co-keeper of Edward during his imprisonment, involved in the king's death.
Lightborn
supporting
Also known as Lightborn
Assassin hired to murder King Edward in a gruesome manner.
Trussel
minor
Also known as Trussel
Messenger who brings news of Edward's abdication to the court.
Beaumont
minor
Also known as Beaumont
Nobleman who serves as a messenger and attendant to the barons.
Rice ap Howel
minor
Also known as Rice ap Howel, Rice ap
Welsh captain who captures Spenser and delivers him to the barons.
Levune
minor
Also known as Levune
Messenger sent by the French king to negotiate with Edward.
Lord Berkeley
minor
Also known as Berkeley, Lord Berkeley, The Lord of Berkeley
Nobleman in whose castle Edward is imprisoned.
Lord Arundel
minor
Also known as Arundel, Lord Arundel
Baron who supports the king and is executed by the rebels.
Sir John of Hainault
minor
Also known as John of Hainault, Sir John, Hainault
Foreign ally who aids Isabella and Mortimer in their invasion of England.
James
minor
Also known as James
Servant or attendant to the queen, delivering messages.
Niece
minor
Also known as Niece, King Edward's Niece
King Edward's niece, married to Gaveston to elevate his status.
Elder Spenser
minor
Also known as the Elder Spenser, Elder Spenser
Father of Younger Spenser, executed by the barons for supporting Edward.
Lord Percy
minor
Also known as Percy, Lord Percy
Nobleman who briefly appears among the baronial opposition.
Mowbray
minor
Also known as Mowbray
Nobleman mentioned as part of the baronial faction.
Lord Bruce
minor
Also known as Lord Bruce
Scottish lord referenced in the context of border conflicts.
