Edward II

Edward II is the impetuous and indulgent king of England. He is often found placating his sycophantic favorites, Gaveston and Spencer, at the expense of state responsibilities. This neglect alienates Queen Isabella and incites rebellion among the nobles, culminating in his loss of the crown and eventually his life. His response to his dethronement includes dramatic protests reminiscent of William Shakespeare’s Richard II, sharing a desire for a peaceful and contemplative life. Edward's actions are viewed as a form of violence against the Church, especially when he deposes the Bishop of Coventry, which stirs the Archbishop of Canterbury to act against him.

Piers Gaveston

Piers Gaveston is Edward's ambitious favorite, notorious for his deliberate attempts to corrupt the weak monarch through music, poetry, and “Italian masks.” He seeks personal enrichment at the cost of the English lords, whom he consistently scorns. Gaveston underestimates the power of Edward to protect him, ultimately leading to his capture and execution by Mortimer and Warwick.

Hugh Spencer

Hugh Spencer, initially Gaveston’s protégé, becomes Edward’s favorite after Gaveston's fall. He encourages the king to defy the rebellious barons and works to undermine Queen Isabella’s pleas for French support. Loyal to Edward, Spencer flees to Ireland with him, but is captured and hanged upon returning to England. Spencer bridges Edward’s transition from Gaveston to himself, maintaining the king’s defiance against his detractors.

Queen Isabella

Queen Isabella, Edward’s forsaken wife, initially remains loyal despite her grief over his infatuation with Gaveston. To please Edward, she even solicits Mortimer’s help in allowing Gaveston’s return from exile. However, Edward’s persistent rejection and her failure to secure French assistance push her towards Mortimer. Her character transforms into a less sympathetic figure as Mortimer’s accomplice, and eventually, her conspiracy in her husband's murder leads to her imprisonment by her son. Initially portrayed as a wronged wife, Isabella’s relationship with Mortimer reveals her active role in political machinations.

Edmund Mortimer

Edmund Mortimer, leading the opposition against Edward, is infuriated by the king’s indulgence of Gaveston. While his initial motive is to liberate the realm from Gaveston’s influence, Mortimer’s ambition ultimately drives him to regicide to secure power alongside Isabella. His downfall is marked by his boastful acknowledgment of Fortune’s capriciousness, having ascended only to be cast down.

The Duke of Kent

Edmund, the Duke of Kent and Edward’s brother, initially supports Mortimer against Gaveston after Edward disregards his counsel. However, he regrets his betrayal and attempts unsuccessfully to save Edward from his murderers. Mortimer perceives Kent’s influence over young Prince Edward as a threat, leading to his execution. Kent embodies loyalty and political wisdom, recognized by Prince Edward as trustworthy.

Prince Edward

Prince Edward, who becomes King Edward III, demonstrates a keen eagerness to earn his father’s love, even offering to secure aid from France. Although unable to prevent Kent’s execution, he rallies loyal lords to condemn Mortimer. Young Edward’s reign contrasts sharply with his father’s; he balances personal affection with public duty, ultimately sending his mother to the Tower for a just trial. His words, "If you be guilty, though I be your son, / Think not to find me slack or pitiful," reflect his commitment to justice over familial ties.

Old Spencer

Old Spencer, father of the king’s favorite, provides military support for Edward. He shares in the defeat with his son and the king, embodying familial loyalty amidst political turmoil.

Baldock

Baldock is Hugh Spencer’s tutor who rises and falls with his student. Philosophical about his fate, he accepts the transient nature of life, as reflected in his words, "All live to die, and rise to fall."...