Henry IV, part 1
+Welsh, Irish, Scots present constant threat of revolt, and the nobles who helped Henry to the throne now feel threatened by him.
*the Percy's of Northumberland: Hotspur, Worcester, Northumberland are particularly chaffed by Henry's demand for complete obedience, since they took him to the throne...so they decide Mortimer, Richard's designated heir, would be a better King and organize a rebellion.
Sir John Falstaff
+Has little to do with the actual rebellion. Is much older than Hal, but is his companion and drinking buddy
+Is lazy, dishonest, gluttonous, drunken and cowardly
***BUT, he loves the prince and is so charming that almost all his faults are forgiven.
+Scenes with Falstaff and his cronies (Mistress Quickly, Poins, Bardolph, etc.) provide a comic sub-plot within the play, and they-- these men-- play an important role in revealing Hal's character in Henry V.
MAIN ACTION OF THE PLAY
**deals with full-scale development of this rebellion, and the parts different characters play.
+Three (3) major characters: Prince Hal, Hotspur, and Falstaff
*Prince Hal- or Harry, Prince of Wales and son of King Henry IV (future King Henry V) is the HERO of the play.
+An irresponsible playboy until events demand him to act differently...then his charm, humor and courage win the heart of the audience.
+When Henry IV, depressed by the rebellion in his kingdom and Hal's behavior, suggests that Hotspur- the son of the enemy and rival for the throne- would be a better king than Hal, Hal is crushed. Hal vows to redeem himself in battle and to call Hotspur to task.
*Hotspur- impetuous son of Northumberland, leader of the rebel forces against Henry IV.
+Brave, honorable, and hot-headed warrior
+Is the same age as Hal, and both admire the other's abilities.
+As the conflict escalates into open rebellion, Hotspur vows to kill Hal in battle.
~When they meet in combat during the Battle of Shrewsbury, Hal slays Hotspur and saves his father's life
Sir John Falstaff- (explained above)
*The play ends with the main threat of rebellion crushed, and Henry IV and sons Prince John and Prince Hal hunting down the rest of the rebels.