pivotal soliloquies that foreshadow England's future challenges under Henry VI’s reign, revealing the potential for factional strife and the eventual loss of French territories.

Alanson (Duke of Alanson)

He is a French nobleman within Charles the Dauphin's entourage. Initially contemptuous of the English at the siege of Orleance, he later comes to admire their "courage and audacity."

Ambassadors

The ambassadors are emissaries from the pope, the Holy Roman Emperor, and the Earl of Arminack. They appear before King Henry VI with various requests, including urging him to make peace with France and proposing a marriage alliance with the Earl of Arminack's daughter, which Henry agrees to.

Attendants (English and French)

These characters participate in formal events, such as the funeral of Henry V and the coronation of Henry VI, serving to augment the scenes with their presence.

Auvergne (Countess of Auvergne)

In II.iii, the Countess of Auvergne attempts to capture Lord Talbot through deceit. Her plan involves luring him to her castle under false pretenses, but Talbot anticipates trouble and brings soldiers with him, foiling her scheme. Her actions are driven by a sense of patriotism rather than malice.

Basset

Basset is a servant of the Duke of Somerset and a supporter of the Lancastrian faction. He disputes with Vernon, a Yorkist supporter, highlighting the extent to which noble rivalries foster enmity among their servants. Basset's quarrels with Vernon provide insight into the broader societal conflict between noble families.

Bastard (Bastard of Orleance [Orleans])

The Bastard of Orleance appears as a minor character in Charles the Dauphin's retinue. He participates in several scenes, bringing news of Joan de Pucelle's arrival and advocating for the desecration of Talbot's corpse. His role serves to underscore the animosity between the French and English forces.

Beauford (Henry Beauford, Bishop of Winchester, afterwards Cardinal)

Henry Beauford, depicted as an ambitious prelate, seeks to control the young King Henry VI and remove the Lord Protector, Gloucester, from power. His manipulative tactics include amassing weapons secretly and leveraging the pope's authority to achieve his ends. Beauford's aspirations culminate in his rise to the rank of cardinal, achieved through bribery, reflecting his willingness to employ unethical means for personal advancement.

Beauford (Thomas Beauford, Duke of Exeter)

Thomas Beauford, the Duke of Exeter, serves as a stabilizing force in King Henry VI's reign, offering guidance and prophecy. Known for his insight, he foresees the potential for civil unrest due to the young king's inability to manage his nobles. Exeter's speeches, delivered as soliloquies, highlight the impending danger of losing French territories and the internal strife threatening England's stability.

Beauford (John Beauford, Earl, afterwards Duke, of Somerset)

John Beauford, a vocal advocate for the Lancastrian cause, figures prominently in the disputes between the Lancastrians and Yorkists. His refusal to support Lord Talbot at Burdeaux due to an ongoing rivalry with York results in a devastating military loss for the English, underscoring the destructive impact of factionalism.

Bedford (Duke of Bedford)

Bedford, the king's uncle, acts as the regent of France, tasked with retaining English control over French territories. His appearances in the play underscore the challenges facing England in its efforts to maintain dominance abroad, while also attempting to mediate internal conflicts among English nobles.

Bishop of Winchester (Henry Beauford, Bishop of Winchester, afterwards Cardinal)

See Beauford

Boy

See Son

Burgundy (Duke of Burgundy)

The Duke of Burgundy is one of France's most powerful nobles, initially allied with England. Crucial to their victories at Orleance and Roan, he defects to the French side after being persuaded by Joan de Pucelle. His defection is considered a "monstrous treachery" by the English, prompting Talbot to besiege Burdeaux in response.

Captains

Several captains appear throughout the play, often serving to convey military strategies or judgments. One captain receives Talbot's whispered instructions, while another condemns Sir John Falstaff's cowardice for fleeing the battlefield.

Cardinal of Winchester (Henry Beauford, Bishop of Winchester, afterwards Cardinal)

See Beauford

Charles (Charles the Dolphin [Dauphin], afterwards King of France)

Charles, as the heir to the French throne, engages in key military confrontations with the English. Despite his lack of strong personal traits, his cunning and duplicity come through in his dealings with Joan de Pucelle and the English, showcasing a willingness to break promises for perceived gains.

Countess of Auvergne

See Auvergne

Dolphin (Charles the Dolphin [Dauphin], afterwards King of France)

See Charles

Edmund (Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March)

See Mortimer

Exeter (Thomas Beauford, Duke of Exeter)

See Beauford

Falstaff (Sir John Falstaff)

This Falstaff, unlike his counterpart in Henry IV and The Merry Wives of Windsor, is a coward devoid of charm. His cowardice leads to Talbot's capture at Orleance, and his flight from combat further marks him as dishonorable. Eventually, he is stripped of his knighthood and banished "on pain of death" by the king.

Fiends

These devils appear to Joan la Pucelle before the battle at Angiers in V.iii. She summons them for victory as before, but they abandon her. This scene reinforces her depiction as aligned with dark forces rather than divine inspiration.

Gargrave (Sir Thomas Gargrave)

Sir Thomas Gargrave appears at the siege of Orleance alongside Salisbury, Talbot, and Glansdale. He is killed by cannon fire, his death marking the brutal reality of war.

General

The General appears on the battlements of Burdeaux to respond to Talbot's challenge. He refuses to surrender and correctly predicts Talbot’s eventual defeat, highlighting Talbot as a formidable adversary.

Glansdale (Sir William Glansdale)

Sir William Glansdale, present at the siege of Orleance, survives the cannon fire that claims Salisbury and Gargrave, further illustrating the indiscriminate nature of warfare.

Governor of Paris

The Governor of Paris appears in a non-speaking role, swearing loyalty to King Henry VI during his coronation.

Heralds

Heralds appear during two formal occasions: the funeral of Henry V and the retrieval of Talbot's body. They contribute to the ceremonial aspects of these scenes.

Humphrey of Gloucester

See Gloucester

Jailers (to Mortimer)

These characters accompany the dying Mortimer in a singular scene, underscoring his imprisoned reality.

Joan de Aire

See Pucelle

Joan de Pucelle

See Pucelle

John Talbot (John Talbot, son of Lord Talbot)

See Talbot

Keepers

See Jailers

Lawyer

Appearing in one scene, the lawyer's role in the Temple Garden marks the deep divisions between the Yorkist and Lancastrian factions, reflecting the pervasive nature of political enmity.

Lord Talbot (Lord Talbot, afterwards Earl of Shrewsbury)

See Talbot

Lords (English and French)

Present in formal scenes, these lords supplement the dramatic atmosphere of events like King Henry VI's coronation.

Lucy (Sir William Lucy)

Sir William Lucy serves as a messenger for Talbot, relaying urgent requests for reinforcements during the siege of Burdeaux. He interacts with York and Somerset, highlighting the blame and discord within the English ranks. Ultimately, Lucy's role underscores the tragic loss of the Talbots, whose bodies he claims from the French.

Margaret (daughter of Reignier)

Margaret, destined to be the future queen of England, is depicted as possessing a "pure unspotted heart." Captured by Suffolk after the French defeat at Angiers, her beauty captivates him, leading to her engagement to King Henry VI. Her betrothal underscores political maneuvering and personal ambition.

Master Gunner (of Orleance)

The Master Gunner is indirectly responsible for the deaths of the Earl of Salisbury and Sir Thomas Gargrave during the siege of Orleance, showcasing the tactical aspects of siege warfare.

Mayor of London

The Mayor of London appears twice, first to disperse a brawl between the servants of Winchester and Gloucester, then again to complain to the king about continuing skirmishes. His attempts at peace demonstrate the entrenched hostility between these factions.

Messengers

Messengers throughout the play deliver critical news to both French and English forces. They play a significant role in the opening scene, delivering a sequence of reports that highlight the dire state of English affairs in France, setting the stage for the conflicts that follow.

Mortimer (Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March)

Mortimer's sole appearance is pivotal as he articulates the complexities of the Yorkist claim to the throne and informs Richard Plantagenet of his inheritance. His insights into the royal lineage emphasize the flaws in Henry VI's legitimacy, making Mortimer a key figure in the dynastic power struggle.

Officer

Tasked by the Mayor of London, the officer enforces the proclamation against weapon carrying, reflecting the city's attempts to curb escalating violence between rival factions.

Orleance (Bastard of Orleance [Orleans])

See Bastard

Papal Legate

In V.i, the Papal Legate is among the ambassadors who present formal requests to King Henry VI. His interaction with the Cardinal of Winchester highlights the cardinal’s manipulative ascent to power through bribery.

Pole

See Suffolk

Porter

The Porter serves the Countess of Auvergne, assisting in her plot to capture Talbot by facilitating his entry into her castle.

Pucelle (Joan de Pucelle, also called Joan of Aire)

Joan de Pucelle is introduced from the French perspective as a divinely inspired liberator of France. However, English views swiftly turn her into a figure of scorn and suspicion. The play portrays her as a perjurer, denying her peasant origins, and as promiscuous, claiming noblemen as potential fathers to avoid execution. Her final interactions with demonic fiends cement her depiction as an agent of the Devil.

Reignier (Reignier, Duke of Anjou)

A trusted ally of Charles the Dauphin, Reignier is the father of Margaret. His agreement to her marriage with Henry VI secures his control over his lands, Maine and Anjou, free from English rule.

Richard (Richard Plantagenet, afterwards Duke of York)

See Plantagenet

Salisbury (Earl of Salisbury)

Appearing in only one scene, Salisbury's death at the siege of Orleance serves to highlight the harsh realities of war. His demise from cannon fire symbolizes the indiscriminate brutality of the conflict.

Scout

The Scout brings news to the French in V.ii, warning them of the regrouped English forces despite their initial defeat at Burdeaux. His role underscores the cyclical nature of military engagements.

Sentinels

In II.i, the Sentinels follow orders to watch for English soldiers attempting to sneak into Orleance. Their interactions reflect the harsh realities faced by common soldiers during wartime.

Sergeant

A French soldier, he instructs the Sentinels in II.i to signal any English incursions, his role illustrating the vigilance required in defending a besieged city.

Servant

The Servant supports the dying Lord Talbot in IV.vii, guiding him to his son's body, highlighting the personal tragedy of the war.

Servingmen

The Servingmen belong to the households of the Duke of Gloucester and the Bishop of Winchester. Their ongoing skirmishes, despite prohibitions, reflect the entrenched animosities between their masters, mirroring the noble conflicts.

Shepherd

Pucelle's father, the Shepherd, is rejected by her as she faces execution. His reaction—wishing her burned—reflects a deep sense of betrayal and personal sorrow.

Soldiers

Two soldiers have minor speaking roles: one English soldier expresses intent to pillage Orleance, while a French soldier echoes similar sentiments about Roan, revealing the common soldier's perspective.

Son (of the Master Gunner)

The Son fires the shot in I.iv that kills Sir Thomas Gargrave and the Earl of Salisbury, demonstrating the indiscriminate lethality of war.

Suffolk (Earl of Suffolk)

A fervent supporter of the Lancastrian cause, Suffolk's machinations lead to the betrothal of Margaret to Henry VI. His capture of Margaret and subsequent manipulation of the king exemplifies his ambition to control the throne through cunning political maneuvering.

Talbot (John Talbot, son of Lord Talbot)

John Talbot, as brave as his father, dies alongside him in the battle at Burdeaux. Their poignant reunion after seven years highlights the personal loss amidst the backdrop of war, with John refusing to flee and proving his valor through feats of arms.

Talbot (Lord Talbot, afterwards Earl of Shrewsbury)

Lord Talbot is the quintessential English warrior and general, feared by the French and revered by his countrymen. His strategic brilliance and courage result in key victories for England, yet he ultimately falls at Burdeaux due to the destructive feuding between Somerset and York.

Somerset (John Beauford, Earl, afterwards Duke, of Somerset)

See Beauford

Vernon

A loyal servant of the Duke of York and Yorkist supporter, Vernon engages in disputes with Basset, illustrating the deep-seated noble rivalries that extend even to their servants. Vernon's appeal to the king for redress underscores the pervasive nature of these conflicts.

Warders

Officials at the Tower of London, the Warders deny entry to the Duke of Gloucester on the bishop of Winchester's orders, reflecting the power struggle between these two factions.

Warwick (Earl of Warwick)

Warwick plays a vital role in formal court scenes and is a key figure in the rivalry between the Houses of Lancaster and York. His judgments on the disputes and the character of the king reflect his influential position, while his prophecies about the ensuing civil strife underscore his foresight.

Watch

The Watch is deceived by Joan la Pucelle into allowing a French advance party into Roan, a testament to her cunning and the vulnerabilities of the English defenses.

William de la Pole

See Suffolk

Winchester (Henry Beauford, Bishop of Winchester, afterwards Cardinal)

See Beauford

Woodvile

The lieutenant of the Tower of London, Woodvile enforces the orders of the bishop of Winchester by preventing Gloucester's entry to inspect the Tower's weaponry, highlighting the ongoing power struggles within England's leadership.