Henry VI, Part II (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: William Shakespeare
- First Published: 1594
- Type of Work: Play
- Type of Plot: Historical
- Time of Work: 1444-1455
- Setting: England
- Genres: Drama, History play
- Subjects: Folkloric or magical people, Magic or magicians, England or English people, War, Kings, queens, or royalty, Witches or witchcraft, Fifteenth century, Civil wars, Knights or knighthood, Heads of state, Princes or princesses, Wars of the Roses, Chivalry
- Locales: England
Characters Discussed
King Henry VI, the king of England. Although he is the title character, he is by no means the central character of the play. A deeply religious man, he is an ineffective ruler, easily swayed by stronger personalities, including those of his wife and his advisers. He is unable to deal realistically with political conflict and seems unaware that many members of his court are plotting against him. When France retakes territory the English have held, Henry responds only that it must be God’s will. He calls for peace and harmony. Neither does he protest much...
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