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The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 4 of 9] cover

The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 4 of 9]

Chapter 5: DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[A].
By William Shakespeare
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About This Book

This volume gathers a sequence of history plays that dramatize struggles over kingship, succession, and national identity in late medieval England. Rulers confront rebellions, papal and foreign pressure, and challenges to legitimacy, while a young prince evolves from license to wartime command. Scenes range from courtly intrigue and parliamentary deposition to battlefield councils and siege drama, intermixing solemn meditation on power and right with earthy comic relief provided by a boisterous companion. Recurring themes include the burdens of rule, honor versus expediency, the manipulation of law and ceremony, and the formation of leadership through conflict.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[A].

  • King John.
  • Prince Henry, son to the king.
  • Arthur, Duke of Bretagne, nephew to the king.
  • The Earl of Pembroke.
  • The Earl of Essex.
  • The Earl of Salisbury.
  • The Lord Bigot.
  • Hubert De Burgh.
  • Robert Faulconbridge, son to Sir Robert Faulconbridge.
  • Philip the Bastard, his half-brother.
  • James Gurney, servant to Lady Faulconbridge.
  • Peter of Pomfret, a prophet.
  • Philip, King of France.
  • Lewis, the Dauphin.
  • Lymoges, Duke of Austria.
  • Cardinal Pandulph, the Pope's legate.
  • Melun, a French lord.
  • Chatillon, ambassador from France to King John.
  • Queen Elinor, mother to King John.
  • Constance, mother to Arthur.
  • Blanch of Spain, niece to King John.
  • Lady Faulconbridge.
  • Lords, Citizens of Angiers, Sheriff, Heralds, Officers, Soldiers, Messengers, and other Attendants.

Scene: Partly in England, and partly in France[B].

[A] First given by Rowe. See note (I).

[B] Scene ...] See note (II).

THE LIFE AND DEATH

OF

KING JOHN.