Scene 1

At King Henry's camp near Shrewsbury, Henry, Harry, and the other nobles meet Worcester and Vernon. Henry greets them with questions of why they have shattered the peace with rebellion. Worcester echoes the accusations and arguments of Hotspur about Henry's unacceptable behavior toward the Percy family, who had supported him even in his overthrow of Richard II. Henry has violated his oaths, and the rebels seek justice.

Henry will not accept these reasons. Harry offers to meet Hotspur in single combat to settle the matter. The king declares his love for his people and offers one more chance for reconciliation. When Worcester and Vernon leave, Harry doubts that the rebels will accept the king's offer. Harry then takes his leave of Falstaff, who speaks of honor. He will have none of honor. He would much rather have his life.

Scene 2

Back at the rebel camp, Worcester tells Vernon that he will not give Hotspur the king's real message. He is positive that the king will not allow the Percys to live in peace. He will always be suspicious, and Worcester and Northumberland will have to live under that suspicion for the rest of their lives. When Hotspur and Douglas arrive, Worcester says that the king bids them only battle and has called them rebels and traitors. He also mentions that Harry challenged Hotspur to single combat. Hotspur replies that they will meet on the battlefield. A messenger arrives with letters, but Hotspur refuses to read them. It is time for battle.

Scene 3

Sir Walter Blunt and Douglas meet in battle. Blunt is dressed as the king as a decoy to cause confusion, and Douglas kills him. Hotspur enters to find Douglas certain that he has killed the king. Hotspur identifies Blunt, and Douglas vows to fight until he kills the real king. The two dash away for more fighting.

Falstaff enters by himself. His brigade has been decimated, and he is just trying to stay alive. Harry hurries up. He has lost his sword and wants to borrow Falstaff's. Falstaff will not give it up while he is still in danger and gives Harry a bottle of liquor instead. Harry throws it at him with a comment that it is no time to joke. Falstaff merely wants to avoid Blunt's “honor.”

Scene 4

Harry has been wounded but refuses to retire. Douglas attacks the king, and Harry intervenes, sending Douglas running away and saving his father's life. When the king goes off, Hotspur enters. Harry and Hotspur fight. Falstaff and Douglas enter and fight as well. Falstaff falls, pretending to die, and Douglas exits. Hotspur then falls and dies. Harry mourns both Hotspur and Falstaff. 

Falstaff arises after Harry leaves and stabs Hotspur in the leg to make sure he is dead. When Harry re-enters with his brother, Lancaster, he is shocked to find Falstaff alive. Falstaff claims that Hotspur got up and fought with him and he finished him off.

Scene 5

The battle is over. King Henry sentences Worcester and Vernon to death. Harry decides to free Douglas for the valor he has shown. The king knows, however, that the fight is not over. They still have to contend with Glendower and Northumberland. The king and prince will go to Wales while Lancaster and Westmoreland will go north. “Let us not leave till all our own be won,” Henry instructs.