the Roses, repositioning Richard as a central figure in the struggle for power.

Beauford (Cardinal Beauford, Bishop of Winchester)

Commonly referred to as Winchester, Cardinal Beauford is defined by his ruthless ambition and alignment with Suffolk in their mutual quest for dominance. Complicit in Gloucester’s removal from power, Beauford plays a significant role in the treason charges against him, culminating in Gloucester's murder. Haunted by the specter of Gloucester, Beauford’s final days are tormented by guilt, driving him to seek poison in a desperate attempt to ease his conscience as he succumbs to illness.

Warwick (Earl of Warwick)

Warwick, the son of Salisbury, emerges as a tenacious advocate for York’s claim to the throne. His strategic acumen proves instrumental in unmasking the plots of Suffolk and Winchester against Gloucester. With unwavering loyalty to York's ambitions, Warwick's efforts are pivotal, and he ultimately shares in the triumph at the battle of Saint Albons, securing his place as a significant force in the power struggle.

Clifford (Lord Clifford)

Lord Clifford stands as a loyalist to King Henry VI, accompanying Buckingham in persuading Cade’s followers to abandon their rebellion. However, his loyalty leads to his demise at the hands of York during the battle at Saint Albons. His death spurs his son to vow vengeance, adding another layer of personal conflict to the ongoing civil war.

Young Clifford

Young Clifford, the son of Lord Clifford, is propelled into the narrative by the death of his father at Saint Albons. His poignant speech, delivered after witnessing his father's demise, encapsulates his pledge for retribution and underscores his commitment to King Henry VI's cause against York’s faction.

Somerset (Duke of Somerset)

The Duke of Somerset initially opposes Winchester but eventually allies with other nobles against Gloucester. As France's appointed regent, his failure leads to the loss of its territories, resulting in his imprisonment upon York’s reemergence. Somerset's obstinacy seals his fate as he meets his end at the hands of Richard during the climactic battle at Saint Albons.

Salisbury (Earl of Salisbury)

Father to the Earl of Warwick, Salisbury plays a supportive role in York's bid for the throne, also attempting to shield Gloucester from harm. While his presence is understated, Salisbury's advocacy for York's cause contributes to the faction's success, solidifying his legacy with their victory at Saint Albons.

Jack Cade

Jack Cade, a rebellious figure, leads a popular uprising against perceived corruption and mismanagement. His campaign humorously critiques the English government, though it ultimately fails. Cade's rebellion is manipulated by York as part of a broader strategy to destabilize Henry VI’s reign. Cade's humor and charisma appeal to the lower classes, but his rebellion is ultimately quelled, leading to his demise at the hands of Alexander Iden.

Alexander Iden

Alexander Iden, a Kentish landowner, encounters Cade in his garden, where he kills the rebel leader. Iden's action is rewarded by the king, earning him a knighthood as a token for restoring order and demonstrating loyalty to the crown.

Cardinal Beauford (Cardinal Beauford, Bishop of Winchester)

See Beauford.

Queen Margaret

See Margaret.

York (Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York)

See Plantagenet.

Old Clifford

See Clifford.

Clifford (Young Clifford)

See Clifford.

Queen Margaret

Queen Margaret, celebrated for her beauty and eloquence, is driven by ambition and her attachment to Suffolk. Her machinations against the Duchess of Gloucester and her part in orchestrating Gloucester's murder underscore her influence. Despite her attempts to protect Suffolk, his banishment and subsequent death evoke genuine sorrow. Margaret's brief resurgence to oppose York's throne claims and her counsel to the king to evade capture highlight her persistent involvement in the court's power plays.

Suffolk (Duke of Suffolk)

Queen Margaret’s lover, Suffolk is a quintessential power-seeker, dexterously navigating court politics. His orchestration of Gloucester’s murder and his subsequent downfall at the hands of pirates delineate his ambitious rise and tragic fall. Despite his strategic alliances, Suffolk's exile and execution highlight the volatile nature of political manipulation.

Beadle

The Beadle appears in Act II, Scene i, tasked with whipping Simpcox to test the authenticity of his alleged lameness, thus revealing the deceit in Simpcox’s claims of miraculous recovery.

Eleanor (Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester)

Ambitious for her husband, Eleanor dreams of queenship. She uses witchcraft to foresee the future but is betrayed and arrested, leading to her exile. She bids a sorrowful farewell to Gloucester before leaving for the Isle of Man.

Richard (son of Richard Plantagenet, the Duke of York)

Slated to become Richard III, he supports his father's throne claim and personally kills Somerset at the battle of Saint Albons, showcasing his emerging role in the ongoing power struggle.

Buckingham (Duke of Buckingham)

Buckingham, a noble whose ambition contributes to the weakening of King Henry’s governance, plays a critical role in Gloucester’s downfall by arresting Eleanor on charges of witchcraft and treason. Despite his initial prominence, his influence wanes post-Gloucester's demise.

Bolingbrook (Roger Bolingbrook)

Roger Bolingbrook, who appears in Act I, Scene iv, engages in conjuring a spirit alongside Southwell and Jordan to answer Eleanor's queries. His involvement leads to his arrest and execution.

Spirit

Summoned by the Duchess of Gloucester’s conspirators, the spirit named Asmath prophesies outcomes for the king, Suffolk, and Somerset, all of which come true.

Southwell (John Southwell)

Southwell, a priest entangled in the conjuring of a spirit, is arrested and ultimately faces execution by hanging, reflecting the harsh consequences of his involvement in the conspiracy.

Jordan (Margery Jordan)

A notorious witch, Jordan assists in the summoning of a spirit for Eleanor. Her subsequent arrest and sentence to be burned at the stake underline the gravity of the witchcraft charges she faces.

Dick

A butcher from Ashford, Dick is a satirical follower of Cade, mocking Cade's royal claims and advocating for the elimination of lawyers. His prowess in battle earns him a license to butcher during Lent, illustrating the rewards of loyalty within Cade's ranks.

Bevis (George Bevis)

George Bevis, as part of Jack Cade's men, provides a humorous critique of the English government and highlights the laborers’ plight, ultimately participating in the capture of Lord Say.

Horner (Thomas Horner)

Thomas Horner, an armorer accused of treason by his apprentice Peter Thump, faces trial by combat, resulting in his death. His fate mirrors the ongoing disputes among nobles over rightful succession.

Thump (Peter Thump)

An apprentice who accuses his master, Horner, of treason, Thump triumphs in their trial by combat, symbolizing the larger noble conflicts over the throne's legitimacy.

Post

See Messengers.

Goffe (Matthew Goffe)

Tasked by Lord Scales to defend London from Cade’s assault, Goffe ultimately falls with his men, illustrating the high stakes and violent nature of Cade's rebellion.

Scales (Lord Scales)

As the defender of the Tower of London against Cade's forces, Lord Scales commands an attack to safeguard the city, playing a crucial role in maintaining order during the revolt.

Simpcox

Simpcox feigns blindness and lameness, only to be exposed as a fraud by Gloucester, revealing his deception to the king and highlighting the themes of false appearances and truth.

Sheriff

The Sheriff, in Act II, Scene iv, oversees the officers managing Eleanor’s penance and exile, mirroring the execution of justice within the play’s judicial framework.

Officers

Officers accompany Eleanor during her public penance and exile, enforcing the Sheriff's commands and symbolizing the authoritative arm of justice.

Attendants

These silent figures appear intermittently (III.ii and IV.viii), underscoring the hierarchical nature of the court and the nobility's prominence.

Messengers

Messengers provide crucial updates on the Irish rebellion and Jack Cade's uprising, acting as vital conduits for information amidst the unfolding political turmoil.

Vaux

Vaux appears to announce Winchester's imminent death, a scene underscored by the haunting presence of Gloucester's ghost, encapsulating the themes of guilt and retribution.

Petitioners

Petitioners mistakenly present their grievances to Suffolk and the queen, highlighting their contrast with the justice they could have expected under Gloucester's oversight.

Neighbors

Neighbors rally to support Thomas Horner during his trial by combat, encouraging his intoxication, and thereby illustrating the communal investment in personal and political disputes.

Neighbors

Neighbors rally to support Thomas Horner during his trial by combat, encouraging his intoxication, and thereby illustrating the communal investment in personal and political disputes.

Prentices

Robin, Will, and Tom, serving as Prentices, lend their support to Peter Thump during his trial by combat against Horner, epitomizing the involvement of common folk in the era’s tumultuous events.

Clerk (of Chartam)

Emmanuel, the Clerk, faces execution by Cade for his literacy, exemplifying Cade's disdain for education and the educated, a critique of societal values.

Michael

A member of Cade's faction, Michael plays a tactical role by alerting Cade to the arrival of Stafford’s forces, advising a strategic retreat.

Buckingham (Duke of Buckingham)

A noble whose ambition contributes to the weakening of the king’s governance, Buckingham seeks Gloucester's ruin. He arrests Eleanor for witchcraft and treason and informs the king of her arrest. Buckingham's ambition is evident, and his role is pivotal during Gloucester's downfall, although it diminishes thereafter.

Mayor (of Saint Albons)

The Mayor introduces Simpcox and his wife to the king and summons the Beadle to expose Simpcox's fraud, epitomizing civic duty and the exposure of deceit.

Sawyer

As a follower of Cade, Sawyer is noted in stage directions during Cade's rebellion, embodying the widespread popular discontent that fuels the uprising.

Say (Lord Say)

Lord Say, accused by Cade's men of treason, attempts to escape to London but is captured and executed, encapsulating the fatal consequences of political instability and mob justice.

Clifford (Lord Clifford)

Accompanying Buckingham, Clifford persuades Cade's followers to cease their rebellion. Loyal to the king, he is slain by York at Saint Albons. His death is lamented by his son, who vows vengeance.

Falconers

These non-speaking characters are present during the king's waterfowl hunt in Act II, Scene i, contributing to the setting’s regal atmosphere.

Guards

Guards accompany Buckingham and York in Act I, Scene iv, during the arrest of the Duchess of Gloucester, underscoring the enforcement of royal authority.

Lieutenant

The pirate Lieutenant captures Suffolk and orders his execution, condemning him for his political failures, illustrating the theme of retribution and the perils of ambition.

Holland (John Holland)

An ardent supporter of Cade, Holland voices criticism of the aristocracy and actively participates in the rebellion, embodying the common man’s dissent.

Gentlemen

In Act IV, Scene i, captured by pirates, two Gentlemen become central to Suffolk's demise, with one continuing to carry Suffolk's body to King Henry.

Edward (son of Richard Plantagenet, the Duke of York)

A pivotal figure in supporting his father's bid for the throne, Edward’s emergence in V.i underscores the familial alliances driving the contention for power.

Herald

The Herald makes a significant appearance in Act II, Scene iv, summoning Gloucester to Parliament, symbolizing the formalities of governance amid brewing conflict.

Hume (Sir John Hume)

As a priest involved in Eleanor’s conspiracy, Hume's double agency leads to his arrest and eventual execution, reflecting the duplicitous interplay of politics and religion.

Iden (Alexander Iden)

Alexander Iden, a landowner from Kent, kills Cade when surprised by him in his garden. He presents Cade’s head to the king and is rewarded with a knighthood.

Smith

A weaver and follower of Cade, Smith provides commentary on the absurdity of Cade's actions during the rebellion.

Soldiers

Soldiers partake in pivotal scenes from Cade's rebellion to the battle of Saint Albons, where the play culminates. A notable soldier mistakenly calls Cade by his real name, leading to his death.

Master's Mate

In Act IV, Scene i, he plans to ransom a captured gentleman for 1000 crowns.

Shipmaster

Plans to ransom a captured gentleman for 1000 crowns in Act IV, Scene i.

Murderers

In Act III, Scene ii, the Murderers report Gloucester's assassination, ensuring it appears natural and unrevealed.

Whitmore (Walter Whitmore)

Assigned to execute Suffolk, Whitmore carries out the task after capturing him, fulfilling personal revenge against Suffolk.

Wife (of Simpcox)

The wife of Simpcox supports her husband's pretense of disability, later confessing the deceit was out of necessity.

Lords

These characters appear in court scenes to enhance the regality of the setting and are mentioned in the character list but not in stage directions.

Ladies

These characters appear in court scenes to enhance the regality of the setting, although they are not specifically mentioned in stage directions.

Citizens

Citizens appear in Act IV, Scene v, providing Lord Scales with updates on Cade's rebellion.