Henry VI, Part III · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Henry VI, Part III by William Shakespeare.
King Henry VI
major
Also known as Henry, Harry, King Henry
The pious and gentle king of England, struggling to maintain his throne against Yorkist claimants.
Queen Margaret
major
Also known as Margaret, poor Margaret, Queen Margaret
Fierce and vengeful queen of Henry VI, leading the Lancastrian cause with ruthless determination.
King Edward IV
major
Also known as Edward, King Edward, Edward Plantagenet
Ambitious Yorkist king who seizes the throne and battles to secure his rule.
Richard, Duke of Gloucester
major
Also known as Richard, Gloucester, Dicky, Richard Duke of Gloucester
Deformed and cunning Yorkist brother, later King Richard III, who schemes for power.
Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick
major
Also known as Warwick, Lord Warwick, sweet Warwick, great Warwick
The powerful 'Kingmaker' who shifts allegiance between York and Lancaster.
George, Duke of Clarence
supporting
Also known as Clarence, George, gentle Clarence, sweet Clarence
Fickle Yorkist brother who betrays Edward IV for Warwick, then returns.
Lord Hastings
supporting
Also known as Hastings, the Lord Hastings, my Lord Hastings
Loyal Yorkist nobleman and supporter of King Edward IV.
Prince Edward of Westminster
supporting
Also known as Prince Edward, Edward, Ned, sweet Ned
Son of Henry VI and Margaret, brave Lancastrian heir killed after Tewkesbury.
Lord Clifford
supporting
Also known as Clifford, valiant Clifford, stern Lord Clifford, boisterous Clifford
Fierce Lancastrian lord who avenges his father's death by killing Rutland.
Lady Elizabeth Grey
supporting
Also known as Lady Grey, the Lady Grey, Elizabeth
Widow who becomes Queen Elizabeth IV after marrying Edward IV.
King Lewis XI
supporting
Also known as Lewis, King Lewis, noble Lewis
French king who brokers alliances between Warwick and Margaret.
Lady Bona
minor
Also known as Bona, the Lady Bona
Sister of the French queen, briefly betrothed to Edward IV.
Edmund, Earl of Rutland
minor
Also known as Rutland, sweet young Rutland, young Rutland
Young Yorkist prince murdered by Clifford after the Battle of Wakefield.
John Neville, Marquess of Montague
supporting
Also known as Montague, Marquess Montague, brother Montague
Warwick's brother who initially supports York but later defects.
Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter
minor
Also known as Exeter, Warwick Exeter
Lancastrian nobleman loyal to Henry VI.
Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset
supporting
Also known as Somerset, my Lord of Somerset, gentle Somerset
Lancastrian duke executed after the Battle of Tewkesbury.
Earl of Northumberland
minor
Also known as Northumberland, Earl of Northumberland
Lancastrian nobleman who eventually abandons Henry VI.
Sir John Montgomery
minor
Also known as Montgomery, Sir John Montgomery, good Montgomery, brave Montgomery
Yorkist knight who helps Edward IV reclaim the throne.
Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers
minor
Also known as Rivers, brother Rivers
Brother of Queen Elizabeth and loyal Yorkist lord.
John de Vere, Earl of Oxford
minor
Also known as Oxford, sweet Oxford
Lancastrian nobleman who fights for Henry VI.
Sir John Mortimer
minor
Also known as John, Sir John, Mortimer
Yorkist supporter and uncle to Edward IV.
Sir Hugh Mortimer
minor
Also known as Sir Hugh Mortimer
Yorkist supporter and uncle to Edward IV.
Sir William Stanley
minor
Also known as Sir William Stanley
Yorkist knight who aids Edward IV's restoration.
Sir John Somerville
minor
Also known as Somerville, Sir John Somerville
Yorkist messenger and supporter.
Sir Richard Grey
minor
Also known as Sir Richard Grey, Richard
Son of Queen Elizabeth, executed by Richard of Gloucester.
Lord Stafford
minor
Also known as Lord Stafford, Edward Lord Stafford
Yorkist nobleman who fights for Edward IV.
Earl of Pembroke
minor
Also known as Pembroke
Yorkist supporter who raises forces for Edward IV.
Duke of Norfolk
minor
Also known as Norfolk, gentle Norfolk
Yorkist nobleman who fights at the Battle of Barnet.
First Watchman
minor
Also known as First Watchman, Watchman
Guard at the gates of York who reports to Edward IV.
Third Watchman
minor
Also known as Third Watchman, Watchman
Guard who helps capture King Henry VI.
Huntsman
minor
Also known as Huntsman, King Edward Huntsman
Forester who helps Edward IV escape after a battle.
Post
minor
Also known as Post
Messenger who brings news to the French court.
Messenger
minor
Also known as Messenger
Courier delivering battle reports to Warwick.
